July 2018 - Scoot In-flight Magazine

Take me 

with you! 

ISSUE 38 

JULY 2018 

+ 

RETRO RIDES 

Inside vintage vehicles 

that are still hip and 

thriving 

+ 

THE SCOOT SCOOP 

Berlin says hallo! 

+ 

GLOBAL GRUB 

The hunt is on for the 

ultimate bowl of beef 

noodles in Asia

CONTENTS 

JULY 2018 

LIFE + STYLE 

08 

TRENDING NOW 

The latest buzz around our 

network 

12 

SNAPSHOTS 

Lighting up paper lanterns in 

Chiang Mai’s annual Yi Peng 

Festival 

19 

HACKABLES 

The low down on tipping 

etiquette in 11 countries 

27 

FEATURE STORY 

A day in the life of a kopi tiam 

“uncle” in Singapore 

COVER STORY 

35 

RETRO RIDES 

Still-thriving old-timey modes of 

transportation in the age of 

electric and autonomous 

vehicles 

ATLAS MAPPING 

43 

A TRAIL OF THRONES 

Stories behind Mysuru’s 

aristocratic residences 

43 

TIP BITS 

64 

THRILL VS. CHILL 

Blood-pumping activities 

for adrenaline junkies and 

easygoing trippers 

66 

GLOBAL GRUB 

Our quest for the best bowl 

of beef noodles in Asia 

27 

48 

OLDEST HOUSE STANDING 

The Philippines’ oldest abode is 

found in Cebu 

55 

REMNANTS OF RUSSIA 

Keeping the Tsarist heritage alive 

in Harbin 

70 

RETAIL RAVES 

Checking out Sapporo’s 

shopping spots 

74 

IN THE PIPELINE 

Must-see events happening 

around Scoot’s routes 

66 

SCOOT 

1

CONTENTS 

SCOOT SCOOP 

78 

HOT OFF THE PRESS 

Latest news from the Scoot family 

79 

THE SCOOT LIFE 

Our team tells us what their 

#Wandermust are, plus 

neuroscience professor Dr Paul 

Ebstein shows how travel is linked 

to our DNA 

81 

SCOOT CAFÉ 

Hunger-busting meals 

and yummy 

desserts on 

board 

82 

SCOOT 

SHOPPING 

Treat yourself to 

Scootalogue’s 

product of the 

month 

83 

SCOOT EXTRA 

Tips on travel and more when you 

fly with Scoot 

85 

FLEET FACTS 

Know more about our modern and 

fuel-efficient aircraft in the skies 

OUR TEAM 

EDITORIAL 

Associate Editor 

Ara Luna-Reston 

Writers 

Akanksha Nair, Bryan Yeong 

Contributors 

Kevin Tsai, Joshua Lee, Justine Mondonedo, 

Lester Babiera, Lester V. Ledesma, Melissa 

Chua, Michelle Dompor-Roldan, Pavan 

Shamdasani, Raewyn Koh 

Art Director 

Cally Han 

MANAGEMENT 

Managing Director 

Dennis Pua 

Publisher 

Ben Poon 

Business Development Manager 

Marina Chong 

(marina@media-group.com.sg) 

Admin and Marketing Executive 

Sheila Devi 

ADVERTISING 

Spafax Singapore, Tel: +65 6531 2682 / 

Fax: +65 6395 8211 / 

Email: mediaenquiry@spafax.com 

Business Director 

Agnes Law 

Media Sales Director 

Kaz Lim 

Production Manager 

Sandy Fong 

Printer 

KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd (197801823M) 

88 

SCOOT SAFETY 

Your guide to flying safely and 

comfortably 

20 Bedok South Road, 

Singapore 469277 

Tel: 65/6446-6888 Fax: 65/6449-9945 

www.regentmedia.sg 

81 

MCI(P)128/08/2017 

© Regent Media. All material in Scoot is strictly copyright and all rights 

are reserved. Editorial material and opinions expressed in Scoot do 

not necessarily reflect the views of Scoot or the publisher. The airline 

and the publisher do not accept responsibility for the advertising 

content. Products and services mentioned are subject to change 

without prior notice. Material in this publication may not be 

reproduced in any form without permission. Scoot and the publisher 

accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts,transparencies 

or other material. 

2 SCOOT

WELCOME 

MESSAGE 

Lee Lik Hsin 

CEO, Scoot 

Hello, and Welcome Aboard! 

Do friends and family often judge you 

for travelling too much? Well, Scoot is 

here to tell you that it isn’t your fault! In 

fact, travel isn’t something we want, but 

something we need. In this issue, find 

out how we worked together with Dr 

Richard Ebstein, Professor of Social and 

Cognitive Neuroscience from the 

National University of Singapore, to 

prove once and for all, that travel is 

(literally) in your blood. It isn’t 

wanderlust; it’s #Wandermust. That is 

why Scoot strives to enable more 

people to embrace their #Wandermust 

with our growing global network of 65 

cities across 18 countries and territories, 

at our famously affordable prices! 

In fact, we recently launched our 

third long-haul route from Singapore to 

Berlin last month. Get ballin’ in Berlin 

when you Scoot with us on our 

four-times-weekly non-stop flights, 

operated on our state-of-the-art 787 

Dreamliner aircraft! Once in the German 

capital, take a historical walk through 

the bustling city and visit significant 

landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie, 

a former border crossing between East 

Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold 

War, and the East Side Gallery, the 

world’s most extended open-air gallery 

and once part of the Berlin Wall. From 

events such as the annual street music 

festival Fête de la Musique to the 

glamorous Berlin Fashion Week, 

exciting activities are happening all year 

round in Berlin. 

We are also set to commence our 

three-times weekly flights to Nanchang 

from Singapore from 2 July 2018. As the 

capital of Jiangxi province in China, 

beautiful Nanchang is Scoot’s 20th 

destination in Greater China, and home 

to scenic attractions such as the largest 

freshwater lake in China, Poyang Lake, 

and the Meiling National Forest Park. 

To celebrate the new Berlin route and 

to keep you satisfied throughout the 

long flight, we have prepared special 

meals based on the local Berlin cuisine. 

Enjoy classic German dishes such as 

Chicken Currywurst with Frites or Beef 

Goulash served with Mash Potatoes 

when you pre-order our long-haul meal 

bundle for your Berlin-Singapore flight, 

which comprises a hot meal bundle and 

a snack bundle. From 1 July to 31 August, 

enjoy a taste of local Singaporean 

flavour in commemoration of 

Singapore’s National Day in August – 

tuck into a scoop of sweet and savoury 

Udders Chendol Ice Cream at just S$6 

on selected routes! 

*Available only on Scoot flights operated 

on B787 aircraft. 

Stay connected with Scoot! 

flyscoot flyscoot flyscoot insidescoot 

SCOOT 

5

The American Express 

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

LIFE + STYLE 

TRENDING NOW 

Talk of the Town 

08 

SNAPSHOTS 

Seeing the Light 

12 

HACKABLES 

Here’s a Tip 

19 

FEATURE STORY 

Day in the Life 

27 

PHOTOGRAPHY P LINDSAY COTTER ON UNSPLASH 

SCOOT 

7

TRENDING NOW 

TALK 

OF THE TOWN 

All the current trends for you to get excited 

about this month in Singapore 

FINAL STRAW 

ICYMI: Bamboo drinking straws are 

in, single-use plastic alternatives are 

out. Singapore-based store 

Bamboo Straw Girl is making waves 

in the sustainable lifestyle front with 

their handmade, 100% 

biodegradable straws. This ecofriendly 

drinking utensil lets you sip 

your favourite bevvies without the 

worry of harming the environment. 

What’s more, you can opt to get a 

wrap set (two straws and one 

squeegee cleaner with fabric wrap) 

for extra portability! 

bamboostraws.bigcartel.com 

LET’S GET LOST 

There’s plenty to discover at 

the Singapore Science Centre, 

including the permanent 

exhibition Professor Crackitt’s 

Light Fantastic Mirror 

Maze that will thrill 

both young and the 

young at heart. 

Enter a dizzying 

spectacle of 

mirrors 

illuminated in 

colours, as 

they challenge 

you into finding 

the exit. Make 

sure you don’t 

leave without 

creating coloured 

silhouettes with the 

shadow splitter and snapping 

some pictures on the way out! 

science.edu.sg 

I Fear Tower 

(Eiffel Tower) 

TASTE THE WORLD 

Propeller Bar at Bay Hotel 

Singapore is introducing a new 

range of cocktails to quench 

our thirst for exquisite 

creations, with each inspired 

by the Wonders of the World. 

They’ve even got quirky names 

to match. The I Fear Tower 

(Eiffel Tower) is a refreshing 

blend of gin, lime juice, and 

elderflower topped with 

prosecco, while the Meiji 

Shines (Meiji Shrine) is a bold 

concoction of sake and 

shaved Meiji chocolates. With 

the bar’s complementary view 

of the skyline, you’d be 

toasting to paradise. 

bayhotelsingapore.com/ 

dining 

TOUR DE FORCE 

If you’ve always wished there 

was an easier way to compile 

your receipts to get your tax 

refund, then you’re in luck. By 

migrating the tax refund process 

onto an app, and eliminating the 

need for paperwork, Tourego is 

your go-to assistant for this 

usually tedious process. The 

app also recommends shopping 

deals and unique retailers in 

Singapore, making your entire 

shopping experience a 

seamless one 

tourego.com 

WORDS BRYAN YEONG PHOTOGRAPHY SINGAPORE SCIENCE CENTRE, LIGHT AND BLISS, PROPELLOR BAR, TOUREGO 

8 SCOOT

Glorious Days 

in the Sun 

Walk along a white, sandy beach one day, and in the lush 

national parks the next. Whether it’s an exhilarating holiday 

or a romantic, laid-back getaway in Wyndham Hotels & 

Resorts, Australia’s Gold Coast has an unforgettable 

experience for everyone. 

at this marina-side property 

puts you closer to the bigticket 

theme parks such as 

Dreamworld, WhiteWater 

World, Sea World, Warners 

Brothers Movie World and 

Wet’n’Wild. Whether you are 

travelling as a family or letting 

your inner child take over, days 

of high-octane fun are 

followed by the sophisticated 

dining and entertainment of 

Sanctuary Cove. At the end of 

every satisfaction-filled day, 

retiring to the spacious airy 

rooms of the hotel promise 

much-needed rest for the next 

day’s activities. 

With Scoot’s easy direct 

flights to the Gold Coast, a 

fun-filled sunny holiday is just 

a short hop away; staying at 

Wyndham Surfers Paradise 

and Ramada Hotel Hope 

Harbour puts the best of the 

destination within reach. 

ADVERTORIAL 

SUN, SEA, SURF, NATURE, 

theme parks, good food and 

wine – these are the stuff of 

Gold Coast dream holidays, and 

when you bookend your 

getaway with stays in Wyndham 

Hotel Surfers Paradise and 

Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour, 

you’ll be able to enjoy all that 

and more. 

First-time visitors to the Gold 

Coast usually base themselves 

in Surfers Paradise, right in the 

centre of the Gold Coast action. 

Wyndham Surfers Paradise, 

with its selection of one- and 

two-bedroom self-contained 

apartments with views of the 

sea, river and hinterland 

greenery, offers a spacious, 

contemporary option for 

couples, friends and family. 

Enjoy a barbecue on the 

recreation deck of the hotel, 

partake of the ground floor 

dining options or take a stroll 

to the popular cafes and 

restaurants nearby. Surfers 

Paradise Beach is just a 

five-minute walk away. A 

Wyndham Cruises for lunch is 

a great way to explore the river, 

while a couple of hours’ drive 

will put you in the heart of the 

Gold Coast hinterland with its 

national parks and wineries. 

It’s hard to decide whether 

to take the modern tram from 

Surfers Paradise to Hope 

Island where Ramada Hotel 

Hope Harbour is located or 

drive down the coast. Staying 

TOP: 

Wyndham 

Surfers Paradise 

RIGHT: 

Ramada Hotel 

Hope Harbour 

Book direct on 

wyndhamhotels.com. 

Join Wyndham Rewards® to 

receive 10% off* the Best 

Available Rate on 

wyndhamrewards.com. 

*Conditions apply. 

SCOOT 

11

Chiang Mai 

SEEING 

THE 

LIGHT 

Photographer Joshua Lee fires up 

paper lanterns in Chiang Mai’s 

Yi Peng Festival and immerses 

himself in this centuries-old Lanna 

tradition in northern Thailand 

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY JOSHUA LEE 

12 SCOOT

SNAPSHIOTS 

SNAPSHOTS 

THE ART OF LETTING GO 

Festival goers prepare to release a 

huge lantern into the sky; a symbol 

of sending away the bad, and 

wishing for the good. 

SCOOT 

13

HANGING OUT 

Brightly hued paper lanterns 

are hung all over Chiang Mai 

amidst the lively festivities. 

16 SCOOT

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT 

Warm lantern lights speckle 

amidst the dark Chiang Mai skies 

14 SCOOT

NEED A RIDE? 

Young monks hitch a ride home via 

a songthaew (Thai passenger 

vehicle) after a religious ceremony. 

SNAPSHIOTS 

SNAPSHOTS 

SCOOT 

15

SNAPSHIOTS 

SNAPSHOTS 

FLASH MOB 

Thai women perform a 

traditional Lanna dance, one of 

the many cultural performances 

during the three-day festival. 

SCOOT 

17

tipping 

practices 

A TIP 

HERE’S 

When is it acceptable to give gratuity? 

When is it rude? How much is just right? 

We lay out the low-down on tipping practices 

in 11 countries around our network 

HACKABLES 

INDONESIA 

Some restaurants may add a 

ten percent service charge to 

your bill and some dining places 

do not. In such cases, drop ten 

percent of the total cost to the 

wait staff as a gratuity. 

For taxis, round up your fare 

to the nearest Rupiah. 

Take note that many 

Indonesian workers are 

underpaid that some loose 

change would already be a big 

help to them. Just make sure 

to give it directly to the 

intended recipient. 

THAILAND 

Thai workers do not expect 

tips, but a little can go a long 

way, especially for those barely 

making minimum wage. Give a 

gratuity of 20 to 50 Baht to the 

hotel porter who assisted you 

with your luggage. At higher-end 

accommodations, you may 

place a 20 Baht tip—enclosed in 

an envelope—on the bed for the 

hotel maid. 

Round the bill up or leave 

the change when eating out at 

small diners. At more upscale 

restaurants, tip the waiter who 

served you at least ten percent of 

the total bill. 

MALAYSIA 

In Malaysia, restaurants already 

include a ten percent service 

charge in the total bill. Locals round 

the bill up and leave the change as 

a tip; you may do the same. 

MEET THE 

tip EXPERT 

Richard Powell is the man 

behind Who to Tip, an online 

resource which collates 

gratuity customs in over 80 

countries. Established in 2014, 

the website helps travellers 

avoid the awkwardness when 

faced with different tipping 

situations in airports, hotels, 

restaurants, and other tourist 

establishments. 

www.whototip.net 

Hotel prices also include a 

service charge. But you can hand 

out a tip of 2 Ringgit each to the 

porter or housekeeping staff if 

you are satisfied with the 

assistance they offer. 

PHILIPPINES 

Restaurants will indicate 

whether they add a service 

charge in the bill. No need to tip if 

“SC” is stated in the receipt. 

Otherwise, you may hand the 

wait staff about ten percent of 

the total cost. 

When riding taxis, ask the 

driver to keep the metre running 

then pay the fare plus a ten 

percent tip. Do not shell out extra 

for pre-arranged or flat fees. 

SOUTH KOREA 

Tourists are not obliged to tip 

when in South Korea as it is not 

standard practice. However, in 

Western-style restaurants and 

some hotels, gratuity is much 

appreciated. How much to give is 

up to you; no offence is taken 

even when you decide on not 

tipping at all. 

WORDS MICHELLE DOMPOR-ROLDAN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEF VINICIUS BY UNSPLASH 

SCOOT 

19

HACKABLES 

SINGAPORE 

Tipping taxis, tour guides, and 

spas is not customary in Singapore. 

It is also dissuaded in hotels except 

for bellhops that may receive 

around S$1 to S$2 per bag. 

When dining out, your bill would 

often include a ten percent service 

charge. But this goes to the 

restaurant and not to the staff 

attending to you so if you want to tip 

extra, give it directly to the waiter. 

HONG KONG 

Restaurants already include ten 

percent service charge, but you may 

spare some cash as a gratuity if you 

feel the wait staff deserves it. 

JAPAN 

Good service is standard in Japan, 

so tipping is quite uncommon. Waiters 

and hotel staff may even refuse the tip. 

INDIA 

Baksheesh (Indian translation 

for tipping) is not compulsory but 

appreciated. Be discreet so as not 

to gain attention, especially of 

beggars who would ask for 

baksheesh, which has a different 

connotation altogether. 

When dining out, check if the 

restaurant bill already covers service 

charge. If not, offer a tip equal to ten 

percent of the total cost. 

Hotel bellmen may expect a 

gratuity of at least 20 Rupees per 

suitcase. Do not allow anyone to 

carry your bags if you do not wish 

to tip them. 

CHINA 

In general, China has a nontipping 

culture. Some locals may 

even find it offensive, as it insinuates 

that employers do not value their 

workers. Be that as it may, you may 

give your independent tour guide a 

tip. Ask your group to contribute at 

least 65 Yuan per person. 

If staying at luxury hotels, gratuity 

is not required, but you may leave 

the porter with 65 Yuan for each 

piece of luggage. 

When checked in a ryokan 

(upscale Japanese-style inn), you may 

leave something like 1,000 Yen 

enclosed in an envelope or wrapped 

in paper. Handing out cash directly is 

considered rude. 

AUSTRALIA 

Workers in the Land Down Under 

typically earn good wages and do not 

expect tips from customers. 

If you feel offering a dollar or two as 

a reward for exceptional service, you 

are free to do so. 

RULE OF THUMB 

There is no template when 

giving gratuity, but it’s best 

also to keep these in mind 

during your travels. 

Money talks 

US dollars are accepted 

internationally. But some 

countries prefer tips in their 

currency. Upon arrival, 

withdraw from the ATM or 

visit a local bank for the 

best exchange rates. 

Subtle gratitude 

Whipping out large 

denominations from your 

pocket can garner 

unwarranted stares. Keep 

tip money in a separate 

wallet and hand it 

discreetly to the bellman or 

waiter. 

Cash is best 

Tips via credit card usually 

go to the hotel or 

restaurant management. 

To ensure the gratuity goes 

to a specific individual, 

offer the banknotes straight 

to him or her. 

PHOTOGRAPHY SAM TRUONG DAN ON UNSPLASH, DREAMSTIME 

20 SCOOT

THE MARITIME INDUSTRY AND ITS 

MANY OPPORTUNITIES 

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation 

The Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) was established in 2004 as a private 

sector-led organisation that aims to develop Singapore as an International Maritime 

Centre. SMF spearheads initiatives to promote the diverse clusters of the maritime 

industry and attract talent to join the sector. SMF is also the secretariat of the Maritime 

Outreach NEtwork (MaritimeONE) and recently created the Maritime Singapore 

Connect (MSC) Office to address maritime manpower and talent needs. 

For more information, please visit www.smf.com.sg or email corpcomms@sgmf.com.sg.

ADVERTORIAL 

Moving with maritime 

A decade on, the MaritimeONE Scholarship Programme continues 

to offer a great opportunity for graduates to chart a successful 

course as leaders in a dynamic industry. Three scholars tell us more 

about their motivations and the future they see for themselves 

Poh Cheng Yew Nur Hazirah Eric Tan 

IN APRIL 2007, FOUR MARITIME 

bodies – The Maritime and Port Authority 

of Singapore, Singapore Maritime 

Foundation, Association of Singapore 

Marine Industries, Singapore Shipping 

Association – came together to create the 

Maritime Outreach NEtwork 

(MaritimeONE) and the MaritimeONE 

Scholarship Programme to attract young 

talent into the industry. Backed by many 

organisations, graduates are assured of 

gaining recognition that will open doors 

throughout their career. The scholarship 

allows students to gain access to multiple 

companies with a single application, and 

currently supports courses at eight 

institutions including Nanyang 

Technological University, National 

University of Singapore, Singapore 

Management University, Chung-Ang 

University, Korea, University of Plymouth, 

UK, and University of Newcastle, UK. 

Nur Hazirah, Poh Cheng Yew and Eric 

Tan are three MaritimeONE scholars 

drawn to the maritime industry from 

different paths but all are keen to 

contribute towards Singapore’s role as a 

maritime nation on the world stage. 

Through exchange stints overseas, 

scholars can broaden their horizons and 

have the opportunity to meet peers with 

whom they may work with in the future. 

For Nur Hazirah, the flexibility of the 

MaritimeONE Scholarship was a major 

factor that influenced her decision to 

apply. “There are many roles that you can 

pursue, from brokering to port 

management, and I discovered that the 

industry is not a male-dominated one as 

there are many women who work in roles 

such as maritime and offshore services.” 

Her exchange trip to Norway proved 

especially beneficial: “I learned to 

understand myself and my future goals, 

to be more self-sufficient and also the 

importance of work-life balance.” 

Poh Cheng Yew’s original career 

direction in banking and finance was 

diverted when he found true purpose and 

meaning in a maritime career. “Maritime’s 

tangible contribution to the world – it 

facilitates 90 per cent of world trade – 

provided that sense of purpose I was 

looking for. The scholarship gave me a 

head start by connecting me with 

maritime professionals and industry 

opportunities.” He also gained an insight 

into Singapore’s importance as an 

International Maritime Centre: “Besides 

being the largest transhipment and 

bunkering hub, Singapore offers top-notch 

ancillary maritime services that support the 

industry.” He was able to meet maritime 

executives during his Denmark exchange 

trip who shared their personal experiences 

and professional advice. 

In Eric Tan’s case, he wanted a unique 

career, and since majoring in naval 

architecture, saw many opportunities in the 

industry. He also realised how close-knit the 

industry is despite the many sectors. His 

exchange trip to Newcastle opened his 

eyes to the balance of good and bad in 

people and situations, as well as there 

being two sides to every story: “I have 

learned to be careful but also to hear the 

full story before making a judgement.” 

Cheng Yew’s advice to those applying for 

the MaritimeONE Scholarship: “Be clear 

about why maritime is where you want to 

be and be committed to make full use of 

the opportunities that come your way”. 

For more information, 

visit www.smf.com.sg/scholarship.html

ADVERTORIAL 

Percy Chan 

From Entrepôt to 

Maritime Nation 

Just as Singapore’s trade has grown from its trading 

post beginnings to one of the busiest transhipment hubs 

in the world, a spectrum of maritime professionals has 

stepped up to move the industry into the future 

WALKING THROUGH CLARKE QUAY 

– named after Singapore’s second 

governor Sir Andrew Clarke – and along its 

stretch of the Singapore River today, 

anyone will be hard-pressed to imagine the 

bustling scene in the past when a constant 

stream of lighters laden with goods from 

Boat Quay downriver – during founder Sir 

Stamford Raffles’ day – or from ships 

anchored out in the harbour, were 

unloaded by a continuous line of coolies 

into the godowns lining the banks. English 

traders depending on Indian goods have 

their godowns in this upper stretch of the 

river, while the Chinese and South-East 

Asian merchants settled into the lower 

part. This was when Singapore was known 

as an entrepôt, importing and then 

exporting goods. 

Bumboats – ferrying people and goods 

– were a common sight as well, crowding 

the river right till the second half of the 20th 

century. The Singapore River then went 

through a much-needed clean-up: boats 

were cleared, squatters were rehoused, 

hawkers were relocated into hawker 

centres and the river was dredged. The 

Clarke Quay we know now is a result of 

the second revamp that took place in 

2003. The repurposing of the quay’s 

heritage buildings into an entertainment, 

commercial and residential precinct had 

taken place a decade prior. 

Clarke Quay is now filled with bars, 

restaurants and offices – quiet and 

usually sun-baked in the day, it comes 

alive at night. 

The maritime scene in Singapore has 

also undergone massive changes, not 

least in the number and myriad types of 

companies that now make up the 

industry, from shipping finance and 

maritime arbitration, to marine 

insurance underwriting. 

Seah Lay Ling is an assistant manager 

at Jurong Port’s recently set-up 

Stevedore Management Centre. Lay Ling 

works with almost 300 stevedores, both 

the port’s and other companies’. She 

reviews processes and is now pushing for 

the switch to digital. “The maritime 

eco-system is transforming and with new 

technologies and digitisation being 

introduced, job scopes will change. It’ll be 

exciting to be part of Jurong Port’s 

transformation journey to be the Next 

Generation Multipurpose Port.” 

Working as an operations executive in 

Island View Shipping, a prominent bulk ship 

owner and operator, Ratna Tripathi’s 

responsibilities include planning stowage, 

managing bunkering operations, and 

calculating laytime. She relishes in 

overcoming the many challenges that come 

her way. “The industry will continue to grow 

and it will give me a wide range of 

opportunities to do the same.” 

PSA senior operations executive Percy 

Chan manages vessel berthing, which 

includes manpower and resource allocation 

at Pasir Panjang Terminal. While euphoric 

when his team recently moved 3,724 TEUs 

in 11.3 hours, Percy is looking forward to the 

future: “We are now in the trial phase to 

automate wharfside operations.”

ADVERTORIAL 

Before entering university, Jackie Lan, a 

senior underwriting executive with QBE 

Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd, shared: “I was 

fascinated by the vibrancy and all-embracing 

nature of the maritime industry and would get 

very excited whenever I saw the massive 

gantry cranes standing at berth, enormous 

tankers doing bunkering at anchorage or 

containers on trailers moving on the road.” 

Assessing risk and coming up with a 

customised solution for every client is an 

exciting part of underwriting as the vessels, 

and regulations change constantly. There are 

indoor and outdoor roles in the industry but 

one has to be prepared with a global mindset 

and a penchant for challenges. 

Singapore’s maritime industry is looking 

forward to the Next Generation Tuas Port 

2030 which will not only consolidate all 

operations and services with regards to 

container, bunkering and transhipment but 

will be purpose-built to transform the industry 

through technology, autonomous vessels, 

automated port operations and robotics. 

Reclamation of land has begun this year for 

Ratna Tripathi and 

Seah Lay Ling 

Jackie Lan 

Tuas Port – Raffles also did similar 

reclaiming works along the Singapore 

River in 1822 to encourage traders to 

settle and do business. 

Next year, Singapore will celebrate the 

bicentennial of its founding by Raffles, but 

the centuries before his arrival will be 

highlighted as well, when Singapura was a 

well-known trade emporium at the 

crossroads of regional and international 

sea routes. Maritime is Singapore’s 

lifeblood, and with youthful energy, 

innovation, and passionate people in all 

sectors, it will be able to strengthen and 

continue to grow its presence as an 

International Maritime Centre (IMC) on 

the world stage. 

For more information, visit 

www.smf.com.sg 

INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION 

Pre-Colonial 

• Known as Temasek 

• Trading port 

serving regional 

network 

1819-1890s 

• Colonial 

trading post 

• Free trading 

area 

1900-1960s 

• Expansion of port 

• Export of raw 

materials 

from Malaya 

1970s-1990s 

• Containerisation 

• Major transhipment 

hub 

2000s-present 

• Developing IMC - 

ecoystem of 

maritime services 

Maritime Future 

• Next Generation 

Tuas Port

In Scoot’s “Day 

in the Life,” we ask a 

writer to spend a day 

with a local whose job 

plays a significant 

role in the city’s 

cultural identity. 

FEATURE STORY 

PHOTOGRAPHY LESTER V. LEDESMA 

DAY IN THE LIFE: 

SHARING A CUPPA WITH 

KOPI UNCLE 

A 

In food-obsessed Singapore, the humble kopi 

uncle enjoys a special place among its beloved 

culinary icons. Lester V. Ledesma spends a day 

with his neighbourhood’s local coffee brewer 

SCOOT 

27

9:30 a.m. 

BREW WORKS 

Uncle Ong (Mr. Ong Kee Liam) 

shows us what working life is like 

behind the kopi. 

9:30 a.m. 

Uncle Ong arrives at the kopi 

tiam and starts his shift. 

10:30 a.m. 

10:30 a.m. 

The morning rush subsides, and 

Uncle Ong takes a quick tea 

break. 

12 p.m. 

Lunchtime rush begins. 

Everyone’s busy. 

1:30 p.m. 

The lunchtime crowd subsides. 

Time to wash plates and 

clean tables. 

2 p.m. 

Lunch of noodles or rice. 

“Whatever’s available lah!” 

12 p.m. 

1:30p.m. 

3 p.m. 

Break time. Uncle Ong heads to 

his nearby home to take a 

shower and a nap. 

4 p.m. 

Back to work. Customers start to 

arrive for a mid-afternoon snack 

5 p.m. 

Make another mug of tea. Drink 

it while manning the cashier. 

6 p.m. 

Have a quick dinner before the 

dinner crowd arrives. 

6:30 p.m. 

The dinner rush begins. 

7 p.m. 

Shift ends. His younger brother 

takes over, and Uncle Ong calls it 

a day. 

It is 9 a.m., and Uncle Ong 

arrives at his workplace. He 

greets me with a nod and a 

smile, then he goes straight to 

his post behind the cashier. He 

takes a quick look at the order 

pad and the coffee corner 

where his colleague is busy 

brewing a cuppa. He picks up a 

rag, does a quick wipedown of 

2p.m. 

the counter and then places a 

pile of used glasses into the sink. 

He prepares himself mentally for 

another busy day, then he looks 

out to a dining area brimming 

with waiting, chatting, and eating 

customers. Just like that, Uncle 

Ong is now officially at work. 

With his grey hair, kneelength 

shorts, and a loose shirt, 

PHOTOGRAPHY NOAHS KNIGHT ON UNSPLASH 

28 SCOOT

4 p.m. 

this 69-year-old retiree looks 

every bit like his job as a “Kopi 

Uncle” – a coffee server in this 

humble corner eatery. He is, in 

fact, a bonafide icon in one of 

Asia’s greatest food cities. Here 

in Singapore, the neighbourhood 

kopi tiam (or “coffee store,” as 

translated from the Hokkien 

dialect) has traditionally been 

the dining room of the 

masses. Despite the presence 

of western-style restaurants 

with modern trappings, these 

old school “eating houses” 

remain a fixture in the local 

food scene. Situated in just 

about every city block or 

housing estate in Singapore, 

their open-air halls 

perpetually buzz with lively 

chatter and the promise of 

delectable homegrown fare. 

From stir-fried char kway 

teow noodles to steamed 

chicken rice or grilled satay 

skewered meats, the meals 

on offer vary greatly with each 

kopi tiam. Yet all of them have 

one thing in common: a 

counter with a wide selection 

of hot and cold beverages – 

and a kopi uncle who can 

whip up your preferred drink 

in seconds. 

I’ve been a regular 

customer of Keng Wah Sung 

Kopitiam for many years now 

– it’s close to my home, and I 

like their blend of thick, milky 

Hainanese-styled coffee. But 

I am spending this particular 

day watching my favorite 

drinks purveyor in his 

element. 

“Sorry ah – busy 

just now,” the man 

apologises later 

after the breakfast 

rush ends. 

“Mornings are the 

7 p.m. 

most hectic time because 

everyone is in a hurry to go to 

work,” he explains. He makes 

himself a mug of teh – that’s tea 

sweetened with condensed milk 

– and sits with me at a table. Ong 

Kee Liam or “Uncle Ong” may 

have been a bank employee for 

decades (he retired in 2016), but 

he has worked at this eating 

house for most of his life. 

“My father first opened this 

coffee shop in a different location 

more than 70 years ago,” he 

recounts. “I have three brothers, 

and we all started helping out with 

the business at an early age.” In 

fact, from his student years all the 

way to his white-collar years, Uncle 

Ong continued working with his 

siblings at the kopi tiam. “We’d 

come here before and after school 

to help run the place,” he recalls. In 

the late 70s, Keng Wah Sung 

moved to its present location in 

the Geylang district and has been 

a landmark here ever since. 

“This isn’t just a workplace for 

us you know. This is a family 

business – it’s like an extension 

of home,” he says of the kopi 

tiam, “I come here because I like 

being here. I get to meet people 

from all walks of life. Sometimes 

we have actors, other days 

politicians, atas (high-class) 

Keng Wah 

Sung kopi 

tiam is known 

for its strong, 

dark local 

coffee and 

sweet kaya 

toast. Both 

are made 

using recipes 

perfected by 

Ong Kee 

Liam’s 

parents. 

FEATURE STORY 

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29

FEATURE STORY 

“I come here 

because I like 

being here. I get 

to meet people 

from all walks 

of life.” 

folks, and even gangsters. Our 

customers are what make this 

place interesting.” 

The old man is happy to 

keep reminiscing about his 

early years, but unfortunately 

lunch hour beckons. “Sorry 

ah, have to go…” Uncle Ong 

excuses himself and returns 

to his post. As noontime 

approaches, people begin to 

trickle in from nearby shops, 

offices, and homes. Soon the 

eating house is once again 

packed. I see hardware store 

proprietors sharing tables 

with housewives, real estate 

agents, and delivery guys. A 

pair of businessmen conducts 

their meeting over noodles, 

not far from a squad of 

construction workers quietly 

emptying plates of curry rice. 

Zipping around them is Uncle 

Ong, a busy bee taking orders, 

clearing tables, collecting 

payment, washing plates 

– and yes, serving kopi. 

The tide of hungry diners 

turns, and by 2 p.m. all is once 

again calm. Keng Wah Sung 

usually has four or five 

employed “uncles” at any 

given time (one is an “aunty” 

actually), with each person 

holding equal duties at the 

counter, the tables, and the 

kitchen. “There are endless 

little bits and pieces of things 

to do. It all adds up to a lot of 

work,” Uncle Ong explains. 

These days, his youngest 

brother opens the shop at 

5:30 a.m., and runs things 

until half-past nine. From 

there, Uncle Ong takes charge 

of operations until 7 p.m. 

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31

FEATURE STORY 

“My father first 

opened this coffee 

shop in a different 

location more 

than 70 years 

ago,” he recounts. 

“I have three 

brothers, and we 

all started 

helping out WITH 

the business 

at an early age.” 

Keng Wah 

Sung’s roti 

kaya and kopi 

are the main 

ingredients 

for a leisurely 

afternoon 

break. 

when he calls it a day. “My 

brother comes back from his 

job and keeps the kopi tiam 

open until 1 a.m.,” Uncle Ong 

continues. “After he closes, he 

counts the money, cleans up 

the place and gets everything 

ready for the next day. This 

happens six days a week from 

Monday to Saturday. It’s not 

easy to own a kopi tiam!” 

I marvel at this family’s 

devotion to the business, but 

can’t help wondering why Keng 

Wah Sung seems to be run by 

the old folks. “Our children 

aren’t interested in this. They 

have their own jobs and are 

happy to pursue their 

interests,” Uncle Ong answers 

matter-of-factly. “This isn’t like 

the old days when options 

were limited, and we had no 

choice but to work in the family 

business. I’ve accepted with an 

open heart that this kopi tiam 

will probably end with our 

generation.” 

After our conversation, the 

kopi uncle heads back to his 

corner and brews for me his 

signature drink. “This one’s on 

me,” he offers. I sip the dark, 

syrupy-sweet liquid and 

ponder the lifetime of stories 

contained in each of these 

coffee cups. Keng Wah Sung 

may not be classy like an 

Orchard Road espresso bar, 

and Uncle Ong may not have 

the worldly sheen of a hipster 

barista. But the values that he 

and his kopi tiam represent – 

hard work, passion, simplicity, 

and respect for customers – 

these will never go out of style. 

ON THE 

MENU 

Traditional Singapore 

kopi tiam typically host a 

handful of hawkers 

specialising in tasty local 

fare. Keng Wah Sung 

boasts classic delicacies 

but is really famous for 

two things: strong, dark 

local coffee and kaya 

toast. The former is 

roasted using a recipe 

perfected by Uncle Ong’s 

father, a Hainanese native 

who made his name from 

the coffee trade. On the 

other hand, the latter is a 

slice of bread slathered 

with butter and kaya jam. 

If you eat only two things 

at this kopi tiam, make it 

these two! 

Keng Wah Sung 

Kopitiam 

783 Geylang Rd, 

Singapore 389672 

32 SCOOT

largest free-form pool in penang

RETRO 

RIDES 

Forget Grab or any ride-sharing service – 

in Asia, simply getting from point A to 

point B is a fascinating experience by itself. 

From shaky two-wheel rides to a rad 

modification of an American military 

vehicle, Justine Mondonedo ticks off a 

list of old-timey modes of transportation 

that are not for the squeamish 

COVER STORY 

PHOTOGRAPHY DREAMSTIME 

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35

CARE FOR A 

SPIN? 

Nothing beats walking 

when it comes to exploring 

a destination as fascinating 

as Singapore, but why not 

make it easier on your feet 

and let “uncle” take you to 

the places that matter in 

the Lion City? Enter 

Trishaw Uncle, the only 

licensed operator for 

unique trishaw 

experiences in the Little 

Red Dot. Not only will you 

enjoy an open-air tour of 

the city riding a threewheeled 

bicycle, you also 

get to pay tribute to the 

trishaw riders, those 

hard-working men who 

use their manual strength 

to show holidaymakers 

around. 

trishawuncle.com.sg 

Tourists in a rural part of the 

Philippines could only stare 

in a mixture of awe and fear 

as they behold an extraordinary 

sight in front of them – passengers 

scrambling to get on the roof of 

what looks like a nearly antiquated 

four-wheel vehicle, which is set to 

snake through seemingly 

treacherous roads along the 

mountainside. The vehicle is called 

a jeepney, a primary mode of 

transportation in the Philippines 

and one of Asia’s most unique. 

In almost every part of the 

continent, there are rides that 

the modern tourist—accustomed 

to private cars and public cabs— 

is not used to, and this is why 

riding uniquely Asian modes of 

transportation is considered a 

must-tick item on a traveller’s 

bucket list. So when in Asia, don’t 

immediately hail a cab or book a 

private car whenever you need 

to go somewhere. Exploring the 

ins and outs of this side of the 

world wouldn’t be complete 

without hopping aboard these 

timeless public transports. 

PHOTOGRAPHY TRISHAWUNCLE, DREAMSTIME 

36 SCOOT

COVER STORY 


THE KING 

OF THE ROAD 

Philippines 

There’s no question of who 

reigns the roads in the 

Philippines. You can see them 

everywhere – these gaudy, 

over-the-top vehicles that are 

considered the main ride of the 

working class. It’s loud, vulgar, 

and unapologetically rough, 

especially when manoeuvring 

the roads of Manila. 

The jeepney is like the 

rebellious stepchild of the 

American jeepney. After World 

War II, hundreds of surplus 

military jeeps were given and 

sold to the Filipinos. The jeeps 

were then stripped down and 

altered to accommodate more 

passengers and over time 

became an integral part of the 

Philippine identity. 

Jeepneys are considered to 

be “art on wheels” because of 

the abundance of colourful 

graphics that adorn each 

vehicle. Inside, there is a 

myriad of personal touches 

– bright leather upholstery, 

blinding LED lights, eardrumshattering 

speakers. It can be 

tough paying your fare and 

asking the driver to pull over 

when the engine is roaring 

and the sound system is 

turned all the way up. 

In some provinces, riding 

the jeepney can become a 

daredevil act. Remember the 

ABOVE: 

Vividly coloured 

jeepneys parked 

at a jeepney 

terminal in 

Manila. 

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COVER STORY 

ABOVE: 

Three-wheeled 

(two in the front, 

one in the back) 

cyclos with 

passengers 

comfortably 

seated in front. 

vehicle mentioned before 

the list? That practice is 

called a topload. Never mind 

that the inside of the vehicle 

is filled to capacity and that 

the only thing they can hold 

on to are several strips of 

metal bars attached to the 

roof – these passengers 

need to go somewhere 

quick and if this means riding 

on top of the vehicle with 

high chances of falling off 

during high-speed turns, 

then so be it. 

If you’re new to the 

Philippines, you may need to 

consult with a local first 

before boarding one of them 

public jeepneys. Each has its 

route, and you may need to 

ride more than one to get to 

your destination. 

THE THREE- 

WHEELED RELIC 

VIETNAM 

Take a look around Ho Chi Minh 

City in Vietnam and you will 

surely see cycle rickshaws (or 

cyclos) – those three-wheeled 

(two in the front, one in the 

back) bicycle taxis with 

passengers comfortably seated 

in front, while a driver pedals 

industriously behind them. It’s 

like riding a wheelchair that’s 

being pushed by a person 

riding a bike. 

Before cyclos first appeared 

in Vietnam during the French 

colonial period, rickshaws were 

the conventional means of 

transportation. Eventually, the 

French authorities found 

rickshaws to be a cruel and 

inhumane mode of 

transportation – rickshaw 

pullers had to bear the full 

weight of their cart and 

passengers. So the French 

Public Works Ministry 

developed three-wheeled 

replacements, which 

eventually became the cyclos 

that we see today. 

The heyday of the cyclos has 

long passed, especially when 

cab fares have already dropped 

and the likes of Uber have 

gotten more mainstream. But 

these bicycle taxis still live, 

thanks to the tourists who are 

willing to pay steep fares to 

experience going around the 

city in this ride. Finding a cyclo is 

easy enough, but getting a fair 

fare can be a different story. 

Always haggle and try to 

PHOTOGRAPHY TRAN PHU ONUNSPLASH 

38 SCOOT

emember that you’re 

contributing to the livelihood 

of the drivers who bike hard all 

day to earn for their families. 

There’s no need for 

haggling and some 

even accept credit 

cards for payment. 

ABOVE: 

A male 

Japanese 

rickshaw driver 

carries around 

tourists. 

sightseeing 

CIRCLE: 

A common 

mode of 

transportation, 

the tuk-tuk is a 

typical sight all 

over Thailand, 

especially in 

Bangkok. 

THE MAN-DRAWN 

LORRY 

JAPAN 

Rickshaws are still alive and 

well in Japan. Vacationing in 

Tokyo? Leave the uptown area 

for a while and explore the 

historic Asakusa quarter the 

slow way aboard a rickshaw. 

Invented in the late 19th 

century during the Meiji 

period, the rickshaw was 

regarded as a cheap and 

convenient mode of 

transport when taxis were still 

non-existent. These were 

gradually banned or phased 

out in other parts of Asia, but 

it made a comeback in Japan 

as part of a historical and 

nostalgic rush. 

Fares for rickshaw rides in 

Tokyo are reliable since the 

companies that operate them 

are honest about their rates. 

THE AUTO 

RICKSHAW 

THAILAND 

No Thailand vacation is 

complete without riding a 

tuk-tuk, the open-air, 

three-wheeled motor vehicle 

that is immensely popular 

among tourists. It traces its 

origins from the lowly rickshaw, 

this one with a small engine 

fitted in. The tuk-tuk is so 

mainstream in Thailand that it 

is central to Bangkok tours and 

there are even some mobile 

applications that advertise its 

services. So why was it named 

tuk-tuk? Well, it’s the sound 

the engine makes when the 

vehicle is running. 

Riding a tuk-tuk is an 

advantage when there’s heavy 

traffic. Compared to taxis, it can 

weave in and out of roads 

faster. The regular tuk-tuk can 

comfortably seat three 

people, although many do try 

to fit in as many people as 

possible. Like the cyclos, you 

have to negotiate on the 

rates; haggling can become 

very competitive, some 

tourists complain about the 

viciousness of the pricing. It 

can cost as much as a taxi, but 

you will probably end up 

paying for it anyway just for 

the experience. 

PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN TANG ON UNSPLASH 

40 SCOOT

COVER STORY 

CELEBS LOVE 

THE JEEPNEY! 

Vin Diesel 

In 2013, fans went crazy 

when the Fast and the 

Furious star posted a 

photo of himself inside a 

jeepney, wearing just a 

sleeveless shirt and a 

casual pair of shorts. 

Coldplay 

Coldplay surprised their 

screaming fans when they 

got to concert grounds 

Filipino-style in 2017. It got 

even better when 

frontman Chris Martin 

hopped on a bike and 

roamed around the 

concert grounds. 

Cole Sprouse 

The Riverdale actor 

ventured into one of the 

city’s busiest districts 

during his Manila visit and 

even saluted motorists 

when he crossed the 

streets. Of course, he 

didn’t pass the chance to 

ride a jeepney. 


THE RED-SAIL JUNK 

HONG KONG 

Great retro rides in Asia are not 

confined to land-based ones. 

When in Hong Kong, you must 

experience riding a junk boat, 

the last vessel of its kind in 

Hong Kong waters. Also called 

sampan, the boat is practically 

a relic, and it’s quite a sight 

seeing the flashy red sails 

against the modern skyline. 

You can’t just stand near the 

water and hail one, that’s for 

sure. There aren’t many of 

these traditional boats in 

operation; only two or three 

vessels still traverse these 

waters. Sailing offers are limited 

so you will have to plan your 

ride in advance. 

One of the boats, the Duk 

Ling, was originally used by 

fishermen and has become a 

familiar presence during some 

of Hong Kong’s iconic festivals. 

Do you know of that time when 

the giant rubber ducky sailed 

into Victoria Harbour? Well, the 

Duk Ling was part of that 

historic moment. Special 

sailings are also held during 

holidays and special events 

such as National Day and 

Chinese New Year. 

ABOVE: 

A junk boat 

sets sail at 

Victoria 

Harbour in 

Hong Kong. 

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A TRAIL OF 

THRONES 

BENGALURU 

In the wake of a recent royal wedding, 

there have been common-folk fantasies 

about walking along the opulent halls of 

an ancient palace. Guilty of possessing 

blue-blooded aspirations, Akanksha 

Nair’s hunt for aristocratic houses leads 

her to Mysuru – an Indian city chockfull 

of grand residences 

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Distance 

7.4 km 

Travel time 

19 minutes 

FIRST STOP 

The 

majestic 

halls of 

Bangalore 

Palace. 

If you’ve ever witnessed an 

Indian wedding, then you’ll 

know that the country’s flair 

for regal opulence knows no 

bounds. From sprawling 

estates and overflowing 

wealth to exceptional art and 

timeless tradition, elements 

from India’s rich royal 

heritage continue to be an 

influential part of its cultural 

grandeur. Bengaluru, in 

particular, is a city that’s not 

to be outshined. 

Dubbed India’s Silicon 

Valley where white-collar 

professionals dominate the 

population, Bengaluru’s 

heritage often gets 

overlooked by its burgeoning 

cosmopolitan scene. Being a 

city girl through and through, 

it was a visit to Bangalore 

Palace that got me looking 

for more sights that have 

historic appeal, beauty, and 

splendour. Little did I know 

that I was just a three-hour 

road trip away from an entire 

city that is frothing with 

grandiose palaces. 

The best part about 

travelling to an Indian city is 

that there’s always more to it 

than you expect to 

experience. Commencing in 

Bengaluru and culminating 

in Mysuru, this palaceguided 

road trip explores the 

royal heritage, history, and 

unique insight into both 

dynamic cities. 

BANGALORE 

PALACE 

A majestic residence that is 

resonant of London’s Windsor 

Castle, Bangalore Palace has 

been around since 1878. The 

palace was built in Tudor-style 

of architecture, complete with 

stone masonry, as well as 

fortified towers and battlements. 

Currently, the Palace Grounds is 

host to some of the biggest 

concerts on the subcontinent 

including musical performances 

by legends like Elton John, Iron 

Maiden, Deep Purple, Guns N’ 

Roses, and Metallica. 

Another one of the biggest 

highlights of this palace is the 

enchanting Durbar Hall. Its 

interiors are bathed in vibrant 

shades of lime-green, blue and 

gold, and the ceiling is adorned 

with ornate chandeliers. As 

snap-worthy as Bangalore 

Palace seems, do note that 

there’s an additional fee for 

using your camera. 

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR/JOHN HOEY 

44 SCOOT

BENGALURU 

Distance 

4.2km 

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR/SPIROS VATHIS, FLICKR/CURT SMITH, 

FLICKR/VOYOU DESOEUVRE, FLICKR/JOSEPH D MELLO 

TIPU SULTAN’S 

SUMMER PALACE 

Even royalty need a solemn 

place to retreat to. That’s why 

Tipu Sultan – one of the former 

prominent rulers of Mysuru – 

ensured that he saw to 

completion this summer palace 

which began construction 

during his father Hyder Ali’s 

lifetime. The palace may be less 

grandiose in size and opulence 

compared to its neighbouring 

residences but remains a visual 

feast anyway. 

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace 

is built in Indo-Islamic 

architectural style, but instead of 

using brick and stone masonry, 

the entire building is decked in 

teak wood. Moreover, the palace 

interiors are adorned with 

intricate floral patterns – adding 

nuance to the wooden arches, 

pillars, and balconies. 

Distance to 

next palace 

147 km 

Travel time 

3 hours 

Travel time 

9 minutes 

LALITHA MAHAL 

PALACE HOTEL 

Now, here’s your chance to really 

live like a royal. Lalitha Mahal 

Palace Hotel is a quaint and 

charming abode for visitors in 

Mysuru. Inspired by the 

immaculately white façade of St 

Paul’s Cathedral in London, the 

palace is now run as a hotel yet 

maintains its old-world appeal 

alongside modern amenities. 

The main feature of Lalitha 

Mahal Palace Hotel is the 

ballroom (presently the Dining 

Room), which is constructed in 

baroque trappings – complete 

with high ceilings, ornate 

detailing, and three-domed 

skylights. Marvel at the Belgian 

crystal chandeliers, pose against 

the Italian marble staircase, or 

take a chariot ride around the 

grounds because the palace 

abounds with many visually 

arresting sights. 

KARANJI MANSION 

Mysuru has managed to repurpose most royal 

estates into viable modern institutions and 

museums. Take Karanji Mansion, for example; the 

former imperial dwelling is now called Postal 

Training Centre Mysore, premier training centre of 

the Department of Posts. Apart from providing 

personnel training programmes, the Institute has 

also set up a museum that presents the postal 

history of the country. 

Distance to 

next palace 

2.8 km 

Travel time 

8 minutes 

COME OM DOWN 

Mysuru is the birthplace 

of the world-renowned 

Ashtanga Yoga 

(popularised by the late 

Sanskrit scholar Sri K. 

Pattabhi Jois), and these 

accredited studios can 

fulfil aspiring yogis’ 

dreams. 

Nirvana Yoga Shala 

mysoreyoga.in 

Mysore Ashtanga Yoga 

Shala 

mysoreashtanga.net 

Indea Yoga 

indeayoga.com 

Yogadarshanam School 

yogamysore.in 

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45

BENGALURU 

AMBAVILAS PALACE 

Falling as the second most famous attraction in 

India (Taj Mahal is the first), Ambavilas Palace – 

also known as Mysore Palace – has a complex that 

houses 12 major Hindu temples. The palace also 

showcases an Indo-Saracenic architecture which is 

an amalgamation of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and 

Gothic styles. 

LAST STOP 

Distance to 

next palace 

650 m 

Travel time 

3 minutes 

JAGANMOHAN 

PALACE 

The Jaganmohan Palace is famous 

for being the Wadiyar royal family’s 

alternative home when a fire burnt 

down Ambavilas Palace. Built in 

traditional Hindu architecture, the 

mouldings on the pillars in this 

palace boast religious motifs, while 

the interiors showcase the 

fascinating artwork of temples 

including murals painted in a style 

that has come to be known as the 

Mysore School of Painting. One of 

the walls also bears the Wadiyar 

family tree, while one of the most 

mesmerising attractions is the 

wooden doors that have carvings of 

Dashavatar, the ten incarnations of 

the Hindu god Vishnu. 

JAYALAKSHMI VILAS 

MANSION 

Originally built for princess 

Jayalakshmi Ammani of the 

Wadiyar family, Jayalakshmi 

Vilas Mansion now stands as 

a heritage building in the 

University of Mysore. This 

majestic mansion underwent 

renovations between 2002– 

2006, turning it into a museum 

that’s full of beguiling artefacts. 

Distance to 

next palace 

5.1 km 

Travel time 

16 minutes 

GETTING TO 

MYSURU 

By Road (3 hours) 

Drive or hire a car from 

Bengaluru and take the 

NH275 (National 

Highway). 

By Rail (2 hours) 

Board the train at 

Bangalore City Junction 

Railway Station and 

take the Chennai- 

Bengaluru-Mysuru 

Shatabdi Express. 

Scoot 

flies to 

Bengaluru daily. 

Book your 

flights at 

flyscoot.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, FLICKR/RYAN, FLICK/RAGHAVVIDYA 

46 SCOOT

OLDEST HOUSE 

Sure, archaic abodes may not exactly 

STANDING pique all tourists’ interests, but there’s 

one hidden along Zulueta Street in Cebu 

that is worth making the trip for. Join 

Lester Babiera as he makes himself at 

home at Museo Parian: 1730 Jesuit 

House, the oldest documented dwelling 

in the Philippines 

48 SCOOT

CEBU 

There’s no doubting 

Cebu’s ever-kinetic 

appeal—and it is 

collectively thought of as a 

place similar to other big, busy 

cities of Asia. Perhaps this is 

why most adventure seekers 

see it as a quick stopover 

before heading to well-known 

beach destinations like Oslob, 

Moalboal, Malapascua, and 

Bantayan. 

As the metropolis 

continuously develops, 

evidently demonstrated by 

numerous construction sites 

and towering buildings, 

Cebu strives to preserve 

its heritage and history. 

And since this city is 

the Spaniards’ first 

settlement in the 

archipelago back 

in the 16th 

century, Cebu 

holds a distinct 

old-fashioned 

Catholic character 

that makes it 

different from other 

major hubs of 

Southeast Asia. 

WELCOME HOME 

Gaining attention among tourists 

is Museo Parian: 1730 Jesuit 

House, touted as one of the 

most important heritage sites in 

the Philippines because it is the 

oldest dated house in the 

country. 

And how does it live up to 

such a claim? It boasts of a 

colonial low-relief marker that 

reads “Año 1730,” which 

translates to “Year 1730.” One 

should also note that the 

288-year-old structure has 

remarkably withstood numerous 

natural calamities and almost 

three centuries of wear and tear. 

All of its neighbouring 

establishments built during the 

beginning of Spain’s occupation 

until the early 1700s are now 

gone—they were either 

destroyed because of the war or 

were pressed to be demolished 

due to political and economic 

reasons, as was the case with 

the Parian Church and other 

ancestral houses. 

Aside from the main attraction, 

which is the house itself, 1730 

Jesuit House is also home to a 

two-gallery museum that features 

tales about old Cebu and the 

heritage site’s history. There is a 

quaint café, too, where guests 

usually hang out after the tour. 

However, it is understandable 

that finding the old house is 

quite challenging, even though 

it is located just a few metres 

away from the unmistakable 

Heritage of Cebu Monument. 

The house is erected along 

the street of Zulueta, and is 

hidden behind the tall 

concrete walls of Ho Tong 

Hardware’s warehouse. But 

this is perhaps what makes this 

understated attraction more 

fascinating—that it can keep 

itself shrouded in its serene 

space despite the hustle and 

bustle happening around it. 

ABOVE: 

An old altar and 

religious figures 

are displayed in 

the second 

floor which 

signifies the 

strong 

influence of the 

Catholic 

Church inside 

the house. 

CIRCLE: 

Teacups found 

during the 

restoration 

process of the 

museum. 

SCOOT 

49

ABOVE: 

The master’s 

bedroom is a 

popular spot 

among the 

visitors of the 

1730 Jesuit 

House. 

SPANISH 

AND CHINESE 

INFLUENCES 

1730 Jesuit House features coral 

stone walls and hardwood 

floors made of tugas or molave 

trees. The two-storey house was 

completed in 1730 to 

accommodate the Jesuit 

missionaries who were assigned 

in Parian, an area where Chinese 

merchants conducted trade 

with the locals. Astonishingly, 

these commercial transactions 

were already ongoing even 

before the team of navigator 

Ferdinand Magellan came to 

conquer the island and claimed 

to discover the archipelago. 

In 1768, the Jesuits were 

expelled from all of the 

territories where Spanish King 

Carlos III reigned, which included 

the Philippines. No reliable 

evidence proves what 

happened to the house after 

the religious order’s exile until 

the Alvarez family—originally 

from Spain—resided in the 

property. The Sy family then 

purchased it and transformed it 

into a warehouse in the 1960s. 

“My father originally bought 

this place to be used as a 

warehouse. He didn’t buy this 

house because of the house 

itself. He was interested in the 

compound because it was 

fenced,” recalls 68-year-old 

Jaime Sy, owner and founder of 

Museo Parian. 

His father, Nicanor, converted 

the open space into an area 

where he could store 

construction materials for his 

business, Ho Tong Hardware, 

and intentionally kept the house 

untouched. Jaime even 

remembered his dad telling him 

to preserve it because “this is 

memorabilia of the Chinese 

craftsmen who built it.” 

Even though it is believed that 

the Chinese were responsible 

for building the house—as 

observed through the wood 

construction, dragon tail details 

inside the rooms, and the clouds 

painted on the ceilings—it is still 

mainly influenced by the 

50 SCOOT

CEBU 

EAT’S A DATE 

Tourists, locals, and expats 

flock to Sugbo Mercado for 

a one-of-a-kind dining 

experience. Aside from the 

variety of local cuisine 

available like the 

ubiquitous lechon 

(roasted suckling pig), this 

weekend food market 

features artisanal dishes 

from fledgeling 

entrepreneurs. Experience 

being serenaded by a live 

acoustic band while you 

eat. Or better yet, march 

up on stage and jam with 

featured performers! 

sugbomercado.com 

Spaniards. 

The house’s 

coral stone 

walls and red 

terracotta roof 

are glaring marks 

of Spanish 

architecture. 

“My father was kind of 

in love with this house, 

maybe I inherited this love from 

him,” Jaime added. 

No one in their family knew how 

famous the 1730 Jesuit House was 

until Jaime accidentally saw a 

picture of it in one of the books 

found inside a library at Ateneo 

de Manila University. Then a 

college student taking up 

Business Management, he began 

to understand that their property 

is one of the country’s historical 

gems. But it was only around ten 

years ago that he became 

passionate about history and 

heritage; his schoolmate Roberto 

Aboitiz encouraged him to open 

the house to the public. 

LOOKING TO 

THE FUTURE 

Now, the 1730 Jesuit House is still 

intact and functional, although 

no one lives there anymore. In 

fact, the dining area is often used 

by special guests for museum 

functions. Visitors are given 

access to most spaces of the 

house like the kitchen and 

bedrooms, among others. 

To further conserve and 

protect the house, some areas 

are currently undergoing 

restoration, an undertaking made 

possible with the help of Escuela 

Taller de Filipinas, a foundation 

dedicated to heritage 

preservation. Last year’s 

excavations allowed 

management to unearth some 

significant pre-colonial items like 

coins and housewares. Members 

of the academe, heritage 

conservationists, and experts 

also actively help in maintaining 

the house, especially now that 

more people are coming to see it. 

ABOVE: 

The ceiling 

shows the 

house’s intricate 

details like the 

dragon tail, 

Chinese clouds, 

and the 

terracotta roof. 

CIRCLE: 

A cafe where 

visitors can enjoy 

a cup of coffee or 

read various 

books donated 

by the nowdefunct 

local 

bookstore, Pages. 

SCOOT 

51

CEBU 

DANG IT, 

THAT’S GOOD! 

A staple food of the 

Cebuanos, danggit is 

salted sun-dried rabbitfish 

that is typically paired with 

garlic rice and fried egg. 

Get it like a local and buy it 

at the Taboan Public 

Market for around 400 

Pesos for half a kilo. 


flies to Cebu 

four times 

weekly. Book 

your flights at 

flyscoot.com 

While still preserving the 1730 

Jesuit House, Jaime is open to 

changes that would make the 

place homier and more relaxing 

for guests. He intends to expand 

the galleries and repurpose 

some areas. Ho Tong Hardware 

is also transferring to a new 

storage space after more than 

fifty years of occupying the 

property. 

“I am taking out these big pipes 

and steel plates because I plan 

to put up a garden and extend 

the museum,” Jaime says. “We 

are moving these items slowly.” 

Christian Joseph Bonpua, 

the museum’s docent, says 

that most of their visitors are 

from Manila, Europe, and 

Southeast Asia. But he 

confidently sees that the 

recent development of this 

heritage site will also attract 

many Chinese tourists soon. 

Travellers usually see Cebu 

as a resort city, given that 

there are many beautiful 

beaches nearby. But Jaime’s 

group is positive that 

everyone—regardless of age, 

nationality, or interests—will 

be captivated by this island’s 

rich heritage and history. 

ABOVE: 

A gallery that 

showcases 

the history of 

old Cebu 

during the 

Spanish 

invasion in the 

Philippines. 

PHOTOGRAPHY LESTER BABIERA; FLICKR/YVETTE TAN 

52 SCOOT

SHOP ONLINE WWW.UNIVERSALTRAVELLER.COM

REMNANTS 

Harbin’s background story harks 

OF RUSSIA back to the city’s Tsarist heritage 

and its role as a significant railway 

hub between China and Russia. 

Pavan Shamdasani seeks out 

still-standing Russian elements in 

China’s northeastern region 

HARBIN 

PHOTOGRAPH DREAMSTIME 

SCOOT 

55

ABOVE: 

An illuminated 

Saint Sophia 

Cathedral at 

night. 

CIRCLE: 

Inside the 

grand holy 

halls of Saint 

Sophia 

Cathedral. 

At most, Harbin is a 

destination where 

strong winter winds 

blow; a town where ski slopes 

and snow slides sit alongside 

heated eateries that offer 

solace through warm cups of 

cocoa. Summertime visitors, 

however, see a decidedly 

different side to the city. 

Without the snow 

blanketing the city all year 

round, Harbin’s true nature 

reveals itself – a fusion of 

Chinese and Russian 

elements weaved into the 

lives of its people. This 

combination of cultures 

dates as far back as the 19th 

century when the locale was 

just a small outpost for a 

continent-spanning railway. 

But how did the fascinating 

melange happen, an ice-cold 

meld of Tsarist architecture 

and Chinese culture? 

OUTSIDE 

INFLUENCES 

Harbin started as a small village 

outpost that is more akin to a no 

man’s land than the impressive 

city it now is. This chilly town 

only thrived during the 19th 

century when an agreement 

between the Chinese and 

Tsarist Russian governments 

saw waves of immigrants settle 

in the new base for the China 

Eastern Railway. Construction 

crews, railway employees, 

engineers, army officials, and 

their families all took the long, 

arduous journey down to Harbin 

from various parts of Russia, 

bringing with them the first-wave 

of their influences. As Russia 

went through a seemingly 

endless series of trials through 

to the 1920s – the Russo- 

Japanese War, World War I, the 

Russian Revolution, and the 

Russian Civil War – waves of the 

country’s people fled. 

They were the defeated: 

White Russian refugees who 

had nowhere else to turn, 

quickly establishing Harbin as 

the largest Russian Enclave 

outside of the Soviet Union. At 

its peak, hundreds of 

thousands of Russians were 

estimated to have lived in 

Harbin, a far cry from the very 

few who still populate the city 

today. And with its people 

came all the comforts of home. 

Churches and synagogues 

were quickly constructed in 

classic Kievan style, 

entrepreneurial émigrés 

established homestyle bakeries 

and restaurants, and those 

longing for Russia could drown 

their sorrows at the city’s many 

night-time escapes. World War 

II, the Chinese Communist 

revolution, the fall of the Soviet 

Union, and new waves of 

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR/JOHN HOEY, JASON WONG ON UNSPLASH, DREAMSTIME 

56 SCOOT

HARBIN 

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR-JOHEY24, DREAMSTIME 

ABOVE 

FROM LEFT: 

Zhong Yang 

Steet 

entrance, 

A squirrel 

looks at 

bystanders at 

Stalin Park. 

CIRCLE: 

A eccentric 

mannequin is 

displayed at 

Carl Damo 

Bar. 

capitalism from the 1990s 

onwards are all factors 

that contributed to 

Harbin’s changing 

dynamics over the 

past 75 years, resulting 

in the thoroughly 

modern city we see 

today. But from its main 

drags to its backstreets, 

vestiges of that captivating 

Russian history still exist, for 

those willing to seek them out. 

And to the people who call 

Harbin home, they’re as 

comforting as they are familiar. 

TAKING 

CENTRE STAGE 

For the Slavic-obsessed, 

Harbin’s first port-of-call should 

be Zhongyang (Central) Street, a 

cobblestoned walkway where 

early Russian settlers 

established the area as an 

important marketplace. Today, it 

lives up to its past reputation as 

a pedestrianised walkway, with 

an abundance of Russian 

architectural styles showcased 

in its “old quarter,” in the area 

stretching along the Songhua 

River and near the 

appropriately-named Stalin 

Park (3 Sidalin Street). 

Contemporary commercialism 

may be slowly creeping in via 

globalised brands, but vestiges 

of the city’s past can still be 

found through age-old 

landmarks. 

Café Russia 1914 (57 Xi 

Toudao Street) is also one of 

the most popular, a centuryold 

eatery right off the main 

street. The restaurant regularly 

brings in both locals and 

tourists alike for its throwback 

blend of kitsch interiors and 

long-forgotten fare, with such 

hearty dishes as stuffed 

cabbage, meatballs and 

stewed lamb casseroles. 

Another favourite is the Carl 

Damo Bar (160 Zhongyang 

Street), a more modern spot 

that nonetheless stands as 

one of Harbin’s most 

established bars. Lined with 

curios and various Russianthemed 

antiquities, this quaint 

bar is run by owner “Carl,” a 

Chinese a man who regularly 

dons a Soviet military hat. Carl 

also serves a dizzying array of 

Russian vodkas, perfect for 

those who are up for a wild 

night out. 

Not much of a drinker? Stroll a 

couple of blocks west of 

Zhongyang and direct your 

sober self to Saint Sophia 

Cathedral (80 Toulong Street), 

arguably the city’s most 

imposing Russian-era landmark. 

This former Orthodox church 

was designed in a classic 

neo-Byzantine style to resemble 

CLASSICAL 

APPROACH 

Prick your ears up for the 

most anticipated classical 

music events taking place 

this summer in Harbin. 

July 18-30 2018 

Schoenfeld International 

String Competition 

schoenfeldcompetition. 

com 

Early August 2018 

(official dates to be 

announced on website) 

Harbin Summer Music 

Concert 2018 

harbinsummermusic 

concert.cn 

7-11 August 2018 

International 

Accordion Week 

accordions.com 

SCOOT 

57

HARBIN 

Russian Size 

Disco Bar in 

full swing. 

Moscow’s Red Square. 

Built in 1907, Saint Sophia 

Cathedral was closed soon 

after the People’s Republic 

of China came into power but 

has thankfully been converted 

into a museum that fittingly 

features the city’s varying 

architectural styles. 

BACKSTREET PAST 

While continuous efforts are 

being made by the Harbin 

government to preserve the 

city’s Russian heritage, mass 

commercialism is, unfortunately, 

seeing it erode. But for those 

who truly want to experience its 

culture, a journey along the city’s 

many backstreets is a must. 

Guogeli (Gogol) Street is one 

of the city’s popular shopping 

streets with an abundance of 

Russian souvenir stores selling 

babushka dolls and similar fare. 

But its appeal lies in its many 

side alleys that featuring flavours 

from the past. 

You could also start your 

morning off with a bready 

breakfast at one of the many 

Russian bakeries. These 

age-old places are often 

unnamed and use century-old 

equipment that chug along at 

an impressive pace. For Harbin’s 

accustomed populace, they’re daily 

stop-offs, particularly for the famed 

qiulin lieba, a region-specific 

enormous sourdough made with 

beer yeast. 

Spend the day strolling through 

the many ancient and sometimes 

dilapidated Russian buildings, and 

as the sun goes down, indulge in 

some street-food. Hundreds of 

stalls line the area’s many night 

markets, with popular choices 

including smoked Russian red 

sausage on a stick and the ample 

meal of shredded chicken stew with 

mushrooms. 

And as night starts to settle in, 

spend it revelling at the Russian Size 

Disco Bar (112 Tiandi Street). It’s far 

from the classical approach of other 

bars in the area, but the trendy 

hangout is a favourite spot among 

contemporary Russian expats, 

arguably showcasing how the city’s 

heritage has evolved better than 

anywhere else. 

Top view of the 

Harbin Opera House 

during winter. 

Freshly-baked 

qiulin lieba bread. 

STEEL SNOWDRIFT 

Spearheaded by Beijingbased 

artists called MAD 

Architects, Harbin Opera 

House is an arts hub and 

sculptural masterpiece 

that sits by the Songhua 

River. The opera house 

features three spaces: a 

gargantuan 1,600-seater 

theatre, a smaller theatre 

with a seating capacity of 

400, and a spacious 

public plaza. 

i-mad.com 


flies three times 

weekly to Harbin. 

Book your 

flights at 

flyscoot.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, HARBINICE.COM, INSTAGRAM @YDYRX 

58 SCOOT

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CHOICE STAYS 

NO PAIN, NO GAIN 

To some, an out-of-the-country jaunt is never 

an excuse to skip the gym – and these select 

hotels promise to make working up a sweat a 

motivating endeavour 

BENGALURU 

The Gateway 

Hotel Bangalore 

No. 66, Residency Road, 

Bangalore, India 

gateway.tajhotels.com 

Claim to fame 

Location has always been a 

favourite feature of The Gateway 

Hotel Bangalore’s repeat guests. 

With its proximity to 

transportation hubs, getting 

around the locale is a breeze. 

Fit factor 

The Gateway Hotel Bangalore’s 

workout facilities may be 

unassuming, but they deliver the 

average gym rat’s requirements. 

Aside from weights and 

dumbbells, full-functioning 

treadmills, elliptical trainers, and 

ab machines are at your 

disposal. 

Rave review 

“I truly love the staff’s warm 

hospitality because all of them 

were extremely helpful during 

my stay. Plus, the sumptuous 

breakfast spread on offer every 

day is a major plus.” 

CEBU 

Costabella Tropical 

Beach Hotel 

Buyong, Barangay Maribago, 

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, 

Philippines 

costabellaresort.com 

Claim to fame 

Ensconced within Mactan 

island, breathtaking ocean 

views and a private white-sand 

beach are just some of the 

summer indulges Costabella 

Tropical Beach Hotel can 

endow you. Trip planning 

services are also available. 

Fit factor 

Run on a treadmill or lift some 

weights at the hotel’s cosy 

fitness centre while you overlook 

a lush garden. You can also take 

a dip in the outdoor pool 

afterwards. 

Rave review 

“Gorgeous property, friendly 

hotel personnel, divine food. 

The breakfast buffet is pricey but 

definitely worth your money – 

we couldn’t resist helping 

ourselves with seconds!” 

ABOVE: 

Wanda Vista 

Harbin 

BELOW 

FROM LEFT: 

The Gateway 

Hotel 

Bangalore; 

Costabella 

Tropical 

Beach Hotel 

Note: Guest 

testimonials 

are based on 

Booking.com 

reviews and 

are edited for 

clarity. 

HARBIN 

Wanda Vista Harbin 

No. 87 Shimao Avenue, 

Songbei, Harbin, China 

wandahotels.com 

Claim to fame 

Guestrooms at Wanda Vista 

Harbin are painted in beautiful 

dark hues and then decked in 

warm lighting – a brilliant 

design aesthetic that 

effectively creates a cosy 

atmosphere. 

Fit factor 

Exercising at Wanda Vista 

Harbin is luxury itself. 

Spacious and brightly lit, find 

state-of-the-art workout 

equipment at the in-house 

gym, or pamper yourself with 

an oh-so-relaxing massage 

at the spa. 

Rave review 

“We love how all corners of 

the hotel are spacious and 

bedecked in elegant 

furnishings. Also, the massive 

swimming pool is stellar, and 

the fitness centre is of 

high-end standards.” 

WORDS ARA LUNA-RESTON PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKING.COM 

60 SCOOT

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TIP BITS 

THRILL vs. CHILL 

Deep Water Encounters 

vs. A Good Onsen 

64 

GLOBAL GRUB 

Where’s the 

Beef? 

66 

RETAIL RAVES 

Shop 

Spotting 

70 


What’s 

On 

74 

PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW KANE ON UNSPLASH 

SCOOT 

63

DEEP WATER 

ENCOUNTERS 

Tick off a favourite bucket list 

item of many by swimming with 

sharks like it’s no big deal – no 

diving licence required! 

LICENcE UP 

So, you want to take it up 

a notch by becoming a 

certified diver? These 

PADI-accredited diving 

schools have got you. 

Singapore 

Gill Divers Pte Ltd 

37 Hongkong Street 

Singapore 

gilldivers.com 

01 

SEA LIFE SYDNEY 

AQUARIUM 

Sydney 

Previous divers who have 

gone into the deep end with 

sharks at SEA LIFE Sydney 

Aquarium claim that 

underwater encounters here 

are hands-down the 

ultimate Sydney 

experience. With colonies of 

grey nurse sharks lazily 

swimming around you, the 

opportunity of interacting with 

them in their natural habitat is 

not to be missed. 

Average fee: A$299 

sydneyaquarium.com.au 

Athens 

Athens Divers Club 

Km 49 Athens to 

Souniou Avenue 

Anavyssos, Attiki, Athens 

athensdiversclub.com 

Bali 

Bali Scuba 

Jl. Danau Poso No. 46 

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 

baliscuba.com 

Chennai 

Dive Chennai 

168/3D Pattipulam, 

ECR Road, Chennai 

divechennai.com 

Kuala Lumpur 

Divertainment @ Lakeview 

Club 

Jalan 12/1, Subang Jaya 

Selangor, Malaysia 

divekl.com 

02 

PLANET SCUBA 

BANGKOK 

Bangkok 

Get up close—and we mean really 

close—with at least 30 shark species 

such as sand tigers, black tips, and 

tawny nurses inside the main dive tank 

at Siam Ocean World Aquarium. 

Moreover, you can have your photo 

taken while submerged and swimming 

among fishfolk. Oh, snap! 

Average fee: 6,900 Baht 

sharkdive.org 

03 

NORTH SHORE SHARK 

ADVENTURES 

Hawai’i 

Spend 20 exhilarating minutes inside a 

lowered-down cage to rub elbows (or in 

this case, fins) with Galapagos and 

sandbar sharks along the northern shores 

of Oahu. North Shore Shark Adventures is 

dubbed the top cage diving shark 

operator in Hawai’i and promises 

guaranteed mano (shark) sightings. 

Average fee: US$120 

sharktourshawaii.com 

WORDS ARA LUNA-RESTON PHOTOGRAPHY PLANET SCUBA, DREAMSTIME 

64 SCOOT

A GOOD 

ONSEN 

Japanese-style hot springs 

with signature bathing 

facilities are taking bath 

time seriously 

THRILL & CHILL 

01 

BEITOU HOT 

SPRING RESORT 

Taipei 

Big on privacy? This Taipei-based 

resort lets you freely strip down and 

plunge into a hot spring pool in the 

comfort of one of their 14 private 

rooms. There’s also a cold water 

pool with a shower and resting area 

in each room, too – perfect for 

romantic staycations! 

Also try: 

Feast on delectable Asian fusion fare 

at the in-resort Gourmedise Fusion 

Café while you overlook the treelined 

Beitou streets. 

tyq.com.tw/en 

02 

YUNOMORI 

ONSEN & SPA 

Singapore 

The mineral-rich and warm waters of 

the baths in this onsen spa inside 

Kallang Wave Mall not only de-stress 

the weary body but also detoxify it 

from harmful toxins. The calming dip 

is a prep for the healing effects of the 

Thai massage afterwards. 

Also try: 

The Herbal Compress treatment 

wherein a warm compress is expertly 

pressed and gently dragged across 

your body to stimulate energy lines 

and deeply relax the muscles. 

yunomorionsen.com 

BEFORE YOU STRIP... 

Believe it or not, there is 

such a thing as onsen 

etiquette. 

Bathe before bathing 

Most thermal baths are 

communal spaces; you 

wouldn’t want to immerse 

in other people’s bath 

water, would you? 

Keep it down 

It’s considered extremely 

rude to other onsen-goers 

when you’re rowdy or talk 

loudly while inside a 

bathhouse. 

PHOTOGRAPHY BEITOU HOT SPRING RESORT, OOEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI 

03 

OOEDO-ONSEN 

MONOGATARI 

Tokyo 

If open-air baths get you giddy, then 

this Tokyo hot spring would be a 

dream to be in. Situated in the heart of 

Japan’s capital city, Ooedo-Onsen 

Monogatari offers specially curated 

bath types for singles, couples, 

and groups. 

Also try: 

Wear a traditional yukata robe while 

indulging in an Ashi-Yu (foot bath) 

where you let paved pebbles stimulate 

your foot as you walk in what seems to 

be a man-made pond. 

daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/en 

Hold off alcohol 

Prolonged exposure to hot 

water while intoxicated is 

hazardous to your health. 

SCOOT 

65

WHERE’S THE 

BEEF? 

Only three things are 

needed to create one of 

Asia’s most comforting 

foods: beef, broth, and 

noodles. Beef noodle soup 

is deceptively simple, but 

each iteration brings a 

unique surprise 

HAINANESE BEEF 

NOODLES 

This lesser-known Hainanese 

dish (the most famous being 

chicken rice, of course) comes 

with soup or a thick, gelatinous 

gravy (ask for “dry” when 

ordering). The dish starts with a 

base of thick rice vermicelli or 

kway teow (flat rice noodles), 

and is topped with parboiled 

beef slices, tendons, meatballs, 

pickled cabbage, and bean 

sprouts. In the soup version, 

expect a rich and flavourful 

broth made from hours of 

boiling beef ribs and tendons 

with ginger and garlic. While the 

soup version is best eaten on a 

rainy day, we’re partial to the dry 

one – with its rich, beefy, and 

garlicky gravy flavoured with 

Chinese five spice powder. 

SINGAPORE 

Original 

Orchard 

Emerald 

Beef 

Noodles 

Unit 01-359, 

Block 46 

Holland 

Drive 

Singapore 

WORDS RAEWYN KOH PHOTOGRAPHY FFLICKR-SAM HAN 

66 SCOOT

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR-ANH LE, DREAMSTIME 

PH BÒ 

To miss out on ph bò in a beef 

noodle soup roundup would be 

an absolute atrocity. The popular 

Vietnamese street food is said to 

have originated in the early 20th 

century in northern Vietnam, 

where beef was readily available 

due to high demands by French 

colonisers. Like many of the 

other beef noodle soups in the 

world, ph bò is created by 

boiling beef bones with a 

concoction of spices. Crucial to a 

proper bowl of ph bò is the 

addition of its raw garnishes (Thai 

basil, fresh bean sprouts, onions, 

long coriander, and lime 

wedges), and condiments 

(Sriracha, fish sauce, and hoisin 

sauce). To complete the 

experience, complement ph bò 

with a glass of cold bia h i, 

Vietnamese draught beer. 

VIETNAM 

Quán Ph Gia 

Truy n Bát Dàn 

49 Bat Dan, Cua 

Dong, Hoan 

Kiem, Cua Dong 

Hoan Kiem 

Hanoi, Vietnam 

Toy Kuay Teow 

Reua Boat Noodles 

15 Ratchawithi 

Road, Khwaeng 

Thung Phaya Thai 

Bangkok, Thailand 

THAILAND 

BOAT NOODLES 

(ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) 

First-timers trying boat 

noodles may be surprised at 

how small each portion is. 

Served and sold one mouthful 

at a time, boat noodles were 

invented by hawkers at the 

floating markets, who kept 

servings on the small side so 

that they were easier and safer 

to eat on tiny riverboats. Since 

the servings are so small, it isn’t 

uncommon to see customers 

order dozens of bowls at a 

time. Boat noodles contain 

both pork and beef and are 

served with a small ladle of 

soup thickened with cow’s 

blood for a richer flavour. Do 

as the locals do and top your 

bowl off with pork crackling 

and a sprinkling of chilli flakes 

before digging in. 

WORTH 

THE SPLURGE 

With a price tag of 

NT$10,000 (US$335) 

Niu Ba Ba’s Presidential 

Beef Noodle Soup is the 

world’s most expensive 

bowl of Taiwanese braised 

beef noodles. Four types of 

beef are used, including 

Australian wagyu and Angus 

ribs, that are each hand-cut 

for a perfect ratio of meat to 

fat to tendon. Each piece is 

then braised in different 

broths that best suits the 

cut. The finished bowl sees 

five or six of these broths 

combined to form a 

consommé chock full of 

beefy umami flavour. 

Niu Ba Ba Beef Noodle 

Restaurant 

No. 149, Section 6, 

Minquan East Road, Neihu 

District 

Taipei, Taiwan 

GLOBAL GRUB 

SCOOT 

67

GLOBAL GRUB 

LANZHOU BEEF NOODLES 

( 兰州牛肉面 ) 

You know a dish must be worth trying when 

there’s a whole school dedicated to the art of 

making it (see our tip box for more info). 

Lanzhou beef noodles – which originated from 

the Gansu capital – is said to be the mother of 

all beef noodle soups in Asia. Its creation 

comes from the Hui people, a Chinese Muslim 

ethnic group, during the Tang Dynasty. When 

served, the dish may seem lacklustre with its 

clear beef broth, but it is the hidden scoop of 

spices at the bottom of the bowl that keeps 

people coming back for more. The fiery spice 

mix includes star anise, cumin, fennel, and 

Sichuan peppercorns for that tonguenumbingly 

addictive kick. 

CHINA 

Lanzhou 

Muslim 

Traditional 

Beef 

Stretched 

Noodles 

127 Dong Yi 

Road, 

Zhonglou 

Shangquan, 

Xincheng 

District 

Xi’an, China 

TAIWAN 

Lin Dong 

Fang Beef 

Noodles 

No. 274, 

Section 2, 

Bade Road, 

Zhongshan 

District 

Taipei City, 

Taiwan 

BRAISED BEEF 

NOODLES 

( 紅燒牛肉麵 ) 

Taiwan takes its beef noodles 

so seriously that it’s considered 

the country’s national dish. The 

simple meal can be found all 

over Taiwan and is comfort food 

at its best. The star of the dish is 

its broth that is made firstly from 

frying beef shank with garlic, 

onions, ginger, star anise, chilli, 

and doubanjiang (fermented 

bean paste) for a spicy kick. It’s 

all then boiled together for 

hours to form a rich stock that is 

copiously poured over wheat 

noodles, sliced beef shank and 

bok choy (Chinese cabbage). 

Can’t get enough of the piquant 

soup? Most places provide 

unlimited refills at no extra cost! 

MUL 

NAENGMYEON 

(물냉면) 

On hot summer days, there 

are fewer dishes more 

refreshing than a bowl of mul 

naengmyeon. While there are 

various versions of cold noodles to be 

found in Korea, this particular version originates 

from Pyeongyang, North Korea. Unlike many of 

the beef soup noodles featured here, this dish 

is served with a frozen beef broth slush and 

topped with cucumbers, Asian pears, radish 

slices, and beef. Made from a combination of 

radish water kimchi brine, Asian pears and beef 

stock, the cold broth is slightly tangy and sweet 

– a perfect balance of flavours to help beat the 

heat. Add spicy mustard sauce and vinegar to 

taste before consuming. 

KOREA 

Bongpiyang 

1-4 Yangjae-daero, 

71-gil, Songpa-gu 

Seoul, South Korea 

NOODLE SCHOOL 

Have 15 days to spare? You 

might want to drop by 

Lanzhou’s largest beef 

noodle soup school, 

located just an hour’s flight 

from Xi’an. The school 

trains any willing student to 

perfect the art of pulling the 

dough into the chewy 

noodles found in the city’s 

famed dish. It’s not an easy 

task and students will be 

graded on how quickly they 

can pull noodles – the 

passing mark is 23 minutes 

from flour to noodles. 

Gansu Dingle Lanzhou 

Beef Noodles Vocational 

Training School 

lmpxzx.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY FLICKR-UNIQUENIKKI, FLICKR-CHARLES HAYNES, 123RF 

68 SCOOT

OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

HOME OF FORMULA 1 ® 

NIGHT RACING 

3 DAYS OF NON-STOP RACE ACTION 

+ STAGE PERFORMANCES BY 

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FRI SAT SUN 

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SAMPA THE GREAT 

THE KILLERS 

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+65 6738 6738 

SAT 

END OF THE WORLD 

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SAT/SUN 

THE SUGARHILL GANG 

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+65 6731 5900 

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MARTIN GARRIX 

DUA LIPA 

SUN 

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SAT/SUN 

YOUNG FATHERS 

AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM • BOYS IN THE BAND • MYRNE • JOANNA DONG • EATMEPOPTART 

EMONIGHTSG • HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR • HOLY ROLLER & THE SMOKING GUNS • ABBY SIMONE × MMLD • NAOI 

DJ MATTEBLACC • LIZZY WANG • THELIONCITYBOY • M1LDL1FE • MISS LOU • PICKS • STARS AND RABBIT 

AND MANY MORE! 

Artiste line-up subject to change. Visit the official website for on-track activity, entertainment line-up and schedule. 

The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.

Proudly 

JAPAN 

made 

SHOP SPOTTING 

Make a beeline for these five Sapporo shopping 

spots and score the ultimate omiyage (souvenir) 

snack to bring home 

SHIROI KOIBITO PARK 

Believe it or not, there is an entire theme park that is dedicated to Shiroi Koibito, a 

popular biscuit that is loved by locals since it was manufactured by confectionery 

company Ishiya in 1976. For an affordable entrance fee of 600 yen, you can snap 

photos against a splendid backdrop of roughly 120 types of roses at the Shiroi 

Koibito Park’s rose garden. Moreover, their souvenir shop called Shop Picadilly is 

where you can join a fun factory tour, join hands-on sweets making classes, or 

indulge in delectable desserts at their cafe. Sweet! 

Bring home: Shiroi Koibito, langue de chat 

(French translation for “cat tongue”) 

sandwich cookies that are filled with white 

chocolate. If you have the extra moolah to 

spare, have your photo taken and placed 

together with the original tin container. 

shiroikoibitopark.jp 

WORDS KEVIN TSAI PHOTOGRAPHY JPNINFO.COM , 

DREAMSTIME, 123RF 

70 SCOOT 

SCOOT 

70

SAPPORO EKIMAE-DORI 

UNDERGROUND WALKWAY 

For unique art pieces and great bargains, head to one of 

the many underpasses along Ekimae-dori and discover 

a labyrinth of subterranean shops, quaint cafés, and 

not-so-secret passages to department store 

basements. Locals also hide away here to escape the 

cold winds during wintertime and shop on the side. 

RETAIL RAVES 

Bring home: Jaga 

Pokkuru. Japanese 

snack food maker 

Calbee introduced this 

French fry-shaped 

snack that’s exclusively 

sold in the region. 

sapporo-chikagai.jp 

PHOTOGRAPHY SAPPORO TRAVEL, DREAMSTIME, SHIROI KOIBITO PARK 

TANUKIKOJI 

SHOPPING STREET 

Like many shopping arcades in 

Japan, Tanukikoji Shopping Street 

spans a number of intersections in 

the city. Be on the lookout for 

pharmacies which offer 

discounted chocolates and other 

items on display outside their 

stores, as well as tax refunds for 

foreigners. Don Quixote, a 

nationwide discount department 

store chain, is also located here. 

Bring home: Sapporo Okaki Oh! 

Yakitokibi. This savoury snack 

which is similar to popcorn is made 

from rice and corn and is sold only 

in Hokkaido. 

tanukikoji.or.jp 

SCOOT 

71

RETAIL RAVES 

NEW CHITOSE 

AIRPORT 

The best part of any trip is ending 

it – if you’re flying out from the 

New Chitose Airport, that is. 

Decked with places to shop, dine, 

and be entertained, the new 

Sapporo airport terminal is the 

one stop you should consider to 

get all the omiyage you need and 

more. Case in point: the domestic 

terminal has facilities that include 

an onsen (Japanese-style public 

bath), three cinemas, a Daiso 

store, two aviation museums and 

two observation decks. Young 

travellers also won’t be bored with 

Apina, a gaming arcade, as well as 

the Airport Kids Athletic, a 

recreational facility made for kids. 

Bring home: ROYCE’ chocolate. Try their 

special Nama (ganache) champagne 

chocolates and chocolate-covered 

potato chips, too! 

new-chitose-airport.jp 

IT’S BLACK, 

IT’S WHITE 

For decades, Japanese 

kids all over the country 

grew up snacking on 

Shiroi Black Thunder bars. 

This chocolate-coated 

cookie bar that’s mixed 

with white rice puffs has 

been a snack time 

favourite by adults as well 

whenever they need a 

quick sugar fix. In 

Hokkaido, there’s an 

equally addictive variety 

where the outer 

chocolate coating is white 

and is fittingly called 

White Black Thunder. 

DAIMARU SAPPORO 

Are you the type who gleefully 

prowls department store 

aisles at least once when in 

a different country? If 

your answer is yes, then 

you’re in luck. 

Conveniently located 

by Sapporo train 

station, Daimaru 

Sapporo is the largest 

duty-free store in the 

Hokkaido region that 

sells both international 

and local brands. Here, 

you’ll find stylish bags and 

fashionable accessories at 

different price points – perfect 

for the fashionista holidaymaker 

on a budget. 

Bring home: Double Fromage at LeTAO. Made from 

fresh milk, cream, and camembert, these delicate 

cheesecakes from LeTAO are infused with lipsmackingly 

delicious Italian mascarpone. 

Alternatively, sample the Uji Matcha Double flavour 

for that kick of green tea on the palate. 

daimaru.co.jp 

PHOTOGRAPHY DREAMSTIME, FLICKR-PLANETOFGORI, FLICKR-MAY LEE, 123RF 

72 SCOOT

A LITTLE WI-FI CAN 

GO A LONG WAY. 

Choose the Scoot Wi-Fi Plan 

that works best for you. 

Wi-Fi 

SESSION PLAN 

DATA 

SESSION 

PRICE* 

TWEET 20 20MB US $5.99 

EXPLORE 50 50MB US $10.99 

SURF 100 100MB US $17.99 

How to access 

Wi-Fi on your flight 

Once your flight reaches 

cruising altitude, enable Wi-Fi on 

your device and connect to the 

‘Scoot_WiFi’ hotspot network. 

Open your browser, go to: 

www.scootwifi.com 

INDULGE 200 200MB US $32.99 

BINGE 500 500MB US $65.99 

Proceed to purchase 

or login options. 

*Price when you purchase onboard the aircraft. Savings up to 20% off when you pre-purchase before your flight. 

Service provided 

in partnership with: 

1. Your Wi-Fi session duration starts from the time you first log in till your data plan reaches your data limit. 

Unconsumed data can be continued on your onward flight(s) operated by Scoot B787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with Panasonic connectivity. 

2. You may purchase Wi-Fi when you book your flights or via Manage My Booking up to 4 hours prior to your flight departure. 

3. Wi-Fi available only on Scoot B787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with Panasonic connectivity. 

4. Please deactivate all automatic software updates and video streaming on your device to avoid unnecessary data consumption.

WHAT’S ON 

3-7 July 

BERLIN FASHION 

WEEK 

Berlin, Germany: 

Prepare to feast your 

eyes on some of the 

finest threads as Berlin 

transforms into the 

world’s fashion capital 

for a week in July. The 

biannual occasion will 

have a stronger focus on 

sustainable fashion and 

technology with 

showcasing designers 

incorporating either 

aspects into their pieces. 

Fans of street wear can 

take pleasure in viewing 

shows like “Seek” or the 

trade fair “Bright”, while 

contemporary fashion 

enthusiasts can attend 

the “Premium” or “Show 

& Order” events. 

fashion-weekberlin.com 

juLY 

Family-friendly 

winter activities 

and events await 

at the Bathurst 

Winter Festival 

2018 in Sydney. 

7-22 July 

BATHURST WINTER 

FESTIVAL 2018 

Sydney, Australia: July might be 

summer for most countries, but 

not for Australia! Head about 

200km north-west of Sydney 

towards Bathurst for a chilly 

escape, where a winter 

wonderland awaits. Revel 

amongst the food stalls to keep 

warm, or ride the giant Ferris 

wheel in the Winter Playground 

for thrilling views of the city. 

Make a point to visit over the two 

weekends for the Festival Nights 

as well, to catch twilight markets 

and live performances. 

bathurstwinterfestival.com.au 

23 July 

CELINE DION LIVE 2018 

Bangkok, Thailand: Legendary 

Canadian songbird Celine Dion will 

perform in Thailand for the first 

time in her career that spans over a 

whopping 35 years. Her upcoming 

Asia tour follows a successful 

residency in Las Vegas, and 

promises a spectacular 

performance that will excite 

long-time fans. Expect to hear 

classic hits like “The Power Of 

Love”, “It’s All Coming Back To Me 

Now” and the unforgettable “My 

Heart Will Go On”. 

thaiticketmajor.com/concert/ 

celine-dion-live-2018-inbangkok-en.html 

WORDS BRYAN YEONG PHOTOGRAPHY BATHURST WINTER FESTIVAL, FLICKR (C) TOBIE LE YÉTI, BERLIN FASHION WEEK 

74 SCOOT


Be dazzled 

by the 

colourful 

and 

captivating 

displays all 

around the 

Bras Basah 

and Bugis 

area 

Summer 

Sonic 

2018 

PHOTOGRAPHY NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD, IG: SUMMERSONIC_OFFICIAL, GEORGE TOWN FESTIVAL 

AUGUST 

4 August - 2 September 

GEORGE TOWN FESTIVAL 

Penang, Malaysia: For a whole month, the 

streets of Penang will turn even more vibrant 

with a celebration that spans the worlds of arts, 

culture and heritage. From art installations to 

theatre performances to film screenings, find 

yourself immersed in a different activity every 

day. For a full list of the programmes, head over 

to their website. 

georgetownfestival.com 

17 - 25 August 

SINGAPORE NIGHT 

FESTIVAL 

Singapore: The year 2018 

marks the 11th edition of the 

annual festival that illuminates 

the city of Singapore after 

dark. Be dazzled by the 

colourful and captivating 

displays all around the Bras 

Basah and Bugis area, and 

stay to watch the exterior of 

landmarks like the Singapore 

Art Museum and the National 

Museum of Singapore 

become canvases for unique 

artworks. There will also be 

special music performances 

between 23–25 August from 

local and regional artistes to 

serenade you into the night. 

nightfestival.sg 

18 - 19 August 

SUMMER SONIC 2018 

Tokyo / Osaka, Japan: Summer 

is heating up, especially in Japan 

with the hottest names in 

today’s music scene descending 

upon Tokyo and Osaka for the 

famed annual festival over both 

weekends. Expect heavyweight 

names such as Paramore and 

Chance The Rapper, alongside 

up-and-comers like Billie Eilish, 

Jorja Smith, and Petit Biscuit 

scattered across six main stages. 

summersonic.com 

SCOOT 

75

IN-FLIGHT BOREDOM? 

DOWNLOAD THE 'SCOOTV' APP AND BE ENTERTAINED! 

All you can watch for 

US$ 

HOW TO DOWNLOAD 'SCOOTV' APP? 

iOS Users 

. Download 'ScooTV' app from App Store before you board the plane. 

. Note that 'ScooTV' app is not available for download from the in-flight portal. 

Android Users 

. 'ScooTV' app is available for download from the in-flight portal. 

Mac/Windows Users 

. Additional plugin may be required to access ScooTV content. 

. Plugin is available for download from the in-flight portal. 

ScooTV is available only on Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Minimum operating system required. For the latest 

software requirement, please refer to http://www.flyscoot.com/en/fly-scoot/onboard/entertainment or 

ScooTV guide available on the plane.

THE 

SCOOT SCOOP 

HOT OFF THE PRESS 

78 

THE SCOOT LIFE 

79 

SCOOT CAFÉ 

81 

SHOPPING IN THE AIR 

82 


SCOOT 

77

HOT 

OFF THE 

PRESS 

Latest news from the 

Scoot family 

BALLIN’ IN BERLIN! 

A year after its maiden flight to 

Athens, Scoot launched its third 

long-haul destination on 20 June 

with their non-stop Singapore- 

Berlin route. 

Scoot’s flight TR734 departed 

Singapore Changi Airport at about 

12:25 a.m. (local time) and received a 

traditional water cannon salute 

upon arriving at Berlin Tegel Airport 

at approximately 7:20 a.m. The 

aircraft, a wide body Boeing 787 

Dreamliner named “Bo Jio,” had 

carried 311 passengers from 

Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia 

among other countries, and half of 

them comprised young adults 

between 18 and 35 years old. Known 

for its unique and fun personality, 

Scoot has been known to organise 

neon parties, band performances, 

and even an in-flight wedding on 

board its flights. In line with Berlin’s 

reputation as the party central of 

Europe, TR734 passengers were 

invited to take part in an electrodance 

party and exciting games with 

prizes. 

“With the addition of Berlin just a 

year after we successfully launched 

Athens, and then Honolulu, Scoot’s 

low-cost long-haul network 

continues to grow at a steady pace,” 

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Scoot CEO said. 

“Vibrant, creative, and steeped in 

history, we are confident that the city 

of Berlin will appeal to any market or 

demographic, and open a new and 

exciting part of the continent for 

travellers.” 

Singapore-Berlin flights are 

scheduled four times weekly. 

PHOTOGRAPHY GÜNTER WICKER / FLUGHAFEN BERLIN BRANDENBURG GMBH, 

THOMAS KIEROK / FLUGHAFEN BERLIN BRANDENBURG GMBH REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNGSRECHTE 

78 SCOOT

Travel unapologetically, 

because travel is in 

your blood. 

THE 

SCOOT LIFE 


In line with Scoot’s dedication 

to breaking down the barriers 

to travel, we are collaborating 

with world-renowned expert in 

Genetics, Human Biology and 

Neuroscience, Dr Richard Paul 

Ebstein of the National 

University of Singapore, in an 

industry-first experiment to 

prove how travel is literally in 

our blood. 

THE #WANDERMUST 

GENE – DRD4-7R 

The DRD4-7R gene is a 

receptor that lowers 

the individual’s 

sensitivity to 

dopamine. So 

individuals with the DRD4-7R 

gene tend to seek out 

adrenaline-pumping 

experiences and enjoy 

changing environments. 

Research from Dr Ebstein 

indicates that 20% of the 

population carries the genetic 

code DRD4-7R, which 

contributes to a compulsive 

need to travel. 

Complementing Dr Ebstein’s 

study, research by Shinobi 

Kitayama from the Department 

of Psychology in Michigan, also 

suggests that while having the 

7R allele increases your 

propensity to travel, cultural 

and environmental influences 

actually help you fully realise 

your “Wandermust” nature. 

Together with Dr Ebstein, we 

will test travel addicts from all 

over the world for the presence 

of DRD4-7R – to show how 

travel is intrinsically linked to our 

DNA, and how Scoot can play a 

role in unlocking your 

#Wandermust potential! 

Follow the full story on 

facebook.com/FlyScoot 

ABOUT DR RICHARD 

PAUL EBSTEIN 

Dr Richard Paul Ebstein is a 

Professor at the National 

University of Singapore 

specialising in Social and 

Cognitive Neuroscience. He 

has made substantial 

contributions to the molecular 

genetics of human personality 

and is a pioneer in applying 

neurogenetic strategies towards 

understanding individual and 

social decision making. 

His research revolves around 

human behaviour genetics, with 

the overarching goal of providing 

molecular insights into the role of 

genes as a partial contributor to 

all facets of human 

behaviour. Dr Ebstein 

has extensively studied 

the DRD4-7R gene for over 

two decades, studying its link to 

novelty-seeking behaviours such 

as the need for travel. 

So go forth to travel 

unapologetically. 

Because we were born to travel! 

You see, it’s more than just a want. 

It’s a need. 

It’s #Wandermust. 

Welcoming #Wandermust, our newest #787baby to the fleet! 

Got Scootitude? Be different and join us at Scoot! 

facebook.com/GotScootitude linkedin.com/company/scoot flyscoot.com/career 

SCOOT 

79

IT’S NOT WANDERLUST. 

IT’S #WANDERMUST. 

We asked some of our 

employees who took the test 

for DRD4-7R why they think that 

travel is in their blood, and to 

share how they choose to fulfil 

their #Wandermust! 

THE COMPULSIVE 

TRAVELLER 

NICHOLAS NGIAN - 

NETWORK PLANNING 

“I love photography, and I travel 

in search of beauty and 

uncommon adventures. At the 

end of each day, I hope not just 

to push the frontiers of my 

understanding as far as 

possible, but also to know 

myself a little better. Follow my 

adventures @nicholasngian on 

Instagram!” 

THE SOLO YOLO TRAVELLER 

JOYCELYN CHEN - 

MARKETING 

“My mum doesn’t approve of all 

my solo travelling, but seriously, I 

can’t change this side of me! It’s 

pretty hard to find like-minded 

friends who would pack up and 

get on the next flight to Athens, 

so if I’m itching to go, I’ll do it solo! 

THE WORLD TRAVELLER 

ISKANDAR NORDIN - CABIN 

SERVICES 

“I’ve travelled to 60 countries 

and counting! In fact, most or all 

of my friends are from different 

countries and spread all over 

the world. I may have stopped 

flying for work, but I’ll never stop 

travelling for new experiences!” 

THE WILL-WORK-FOR-TRAVEL 

ROKIAH RUGIMAN - CABIN 

CREW 

“Honestly, being a cabin crew at 

Scoot is like having the best job in 

the world. I can’t believe I get paid 

to travel! I love flying, as well as in 

love with the sea. I always look for 

places to dive wherever I travel to 

different destinations.” 

DO YOU HAVE #WANDERMUST? 

Tell us why you think that travel is in your blood 

with a photo from your next trip, and Scoot might 

just help you unlock your #Wandermust potential. 

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #Wandermust when 

you share on Facebook or Instagram! 

Got Scootitude? Be different and join us at Scoot! 

facebook.com/GotScootitude linkedin.com/company/scoot flyscoot.com/career 

80 SCOOT

Pre-order these 

delectable treats 

on your 

Berlin-to- 

Singapore flight 

now! 

ALLES GOOD 

In the spirit of celebrating our 

newly added Berlin-Singapore 

route, we’re stoked to bring you 

classic German dishes right in 

the comfort of your seat. Our 

Chicken Currywurst with Frites 

includes juicy sausages 

complemented with a curryinfused 

tomato sauce, while 

our tender and savoury Beef 

Goulash served with Mash 

Potatoes is a tasty all-time 

favourite. Lass uns essen! 

SCOOT 

CAFÉ 

Hungry flyers, we hear 

you! Our new meal and 

dessert additions this 

month are guaranteed to 

sate your peckish pangs 

30,000ft in the air. 

Grab a tub of 

Udders Ice Cream ’s 

frozen milky 

goodness from the 

Scoot Café menu! 


GOING DOWN UDDER 

If you’re game for a dessert that has a burst 

of flavour and texture, then don’t miss this 

treat from Udders Ice Cream! Inspired by a 

local favourite dessert in Singapore, you 

can get both your sweet and savoury 

cravings satisfied with the Champion 

Chendol flavour. Using a thick milky coconut 

base with a splash of dark caramel made 

from Gula Melaka, this frozen 

delight features a savoury 

concoction that works 

harmoniously with the 

sweet red bean and 

chewy attap chee. 

SCOOT 

81

Choose from 

an array of 

no!no!® products 

from our in-flight 

duty-free 

catalogue now! 

SHOPPING 

IN 

THE AIR 

Go for some retail therapy onboard as we bring 

you this month’s trending product from our 

in-flight duty-free shopping guide, Scootalogue! 

no!no!® 

Get Sexy and Smooth Skin 

With No Pain 

Finally, a solution that gives 

you professional results in the 

comfort of your own home: 

no!no!®, the new and exciting 

concept that empowers you 

to make your own decisions in 

hair removal. Boasting a fresh 

approach to beauty, the 

no!no!® brand presents an 

array of products that are 

developed to make life easier 

and more beautiful for you. 

The no!no!® Advantage 

no!no!® MICRO is currently 

the number one selling hair 

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Each device uses a patented 

Pulsed Thermicon 

technology where gentle 

heat glides over the skin, 

removing stubble from the 

surface while simultaneously 

treating the hair for longlasting 

results*. Thus, 

reducing hair regrowth when 

used consistently over time. 

The Thermicon technology 

also has built-in safety 

mechanisms that enable 

no!no!® products to be safe 

and effective for home use. 

Blemishes Be Gone 

If pain-free and fast 

treatments are what you’re 

looking for when it comes to 

treating pimples, then 

no!no!® SKIN is for you. This 

must-buy pimple clearing 

device utilises light and 

heat (the same technology 

used by dermatologists) 

that effectively calms skin 

inflammation, kills bacteria 

in the pore, and prevents 

the toughest breakouts. 

Achieve up to 80% skin 

clearance by merely using 

no!no!® SKIN’s two tensecond 

treatments once in 

the morning and at night. 

*Individual results may vary. 

82 SCOOT

GET A LEG UP 

Whether you’re tall or 

small, you deserve to 

sprawl! Whether on the 

Boeing 787 Dreamliner or 

the Airbus A320-family 

aircraft, we offer you 

various seating options 

according to your needs. 

Travel tips 

when you fly 

with Scoot 

THE SCOOT 

EXTRA! 


AIRBUS 

A320/A319 

STANDARD SEATS 

FRONT SEATS 

STRETCH SEATS 

Simply 

approach our 

friendly 

Scootees if you 

wish to 

upgrade your 

seat! 

SEAT PITCH 

28.5” 

28.5” 

38.4” 

TIPS 

Reserve your preferred 

seats when you book 

your flights 

These seats are situated at 

Rows 2 to 4, allowing you to 

disembark first when you 

arrive at your destination. 

These seats are front-row 

seats and seats situated at 

the emergency exits, giving 

you maximum leg space. 

ON-BOARD 

UPGRADE PRICES** 

Not available for on board upgrade, be sure to pre-select 

these seats on your next flight! 

SGD40 - 80 

BOEING 787 

DREAMLINER 

STANDARD SEATS 

SUPER SEATS 

STRETCH SEATS 

SCOOTBIZ 

30% more 

knee room than 

Standard seats 

50% more knee 

room than 


2X the knee 

room of 


SEAT PITCH 

30-31” 

33-34” 

at least 34” 

38” 

FULLY 

ADJUSTABLE 

HEADREST 

(only in 

ScootinSilence 

quiet zone) 

(with 

adjustable 

leg rests) 

TIPS 

Reserve your 

preferred seats 

when you book 

your flights 

Available on 787-9 

aircraft only 

These are 

front-row seats, so 

you’ll have no one 

in front of you! 

Enjoy a meal*, ScooTV 

and in-seat power 

access when you 

upgrade on board! 

ON-BOARD 

UPGRADE PRICES** 

SGD20 - 90 

SGD40 - 140 

SGD80 - 200 

*Applies only to guests who do not already have pre-purchased meals. 

**Prices are accurate as at 1 July 2018. ***Prices are subject to change 

SCOOT 

83

WHY SCOOTV? 

• Binge watch from over 

100 favourite movies 

and TV shows onboard, 

this selection includes 

Hollywood 

blockbusters, Asian 

tearjerkers, and even 

treats for the young 

ones! All-you-canwatch, 

for an all-in price 

of US$11. 

SCOOTV STREAMING INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT 

It’s time to catch that movie that you’ve always wanted to watch! ScooTV, our 

streaming in-flight entertainment service on our Boeing 787 Dreamliners, will 

bring you the magic of the silver screen onto your very own laptop, tablet or 

mobile phone. 

• Compatible with all devices, whether 

you’re using a laptop, tablet or mobile 

phone. Do remember to download the 

ScooTV app, which is required to access 

media content onboard. 

For iOS users, to avoid disappointment, 

please download the ScooTV app from 

Apple Store before you board the 

plane. For Android users, you may 

download the ScooTV app when you 

connect to the in-flight portal. 

• Complimentary 

on ScootBiz – 

simply request for 

an access card 

from our friendly 

Scootees on 

board. 

For more 

information on 

what is screening 

now in-flight, 

pick up the 

ScooTV 

Entertainment 

Guide from your 

seat pocket! 

ELECTRONIC VISA APPLICATION 

MADE EASIER! 

Scoot has partnered with Evisa Solutions Pty Ltd to provide 

eVisa online application services 24/7, 365 days a year to 

Scoot passengers travelling to these countries: Australia, 

India, Malaysia, Myanmar, United States, and Vietnam. 

IN-SEAT POWER 

100% BATTERY, 

0% WORRY! 

You can now stay connected 

and binge-watch on your 

shows without worrying that 

your battery’s drained. In-seat 

power is available on Scoot’s 

Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with 

standard 110V/60Hz charging 

outlets for you to charge your 

gadgets during the flight. 

ScootBiz passengers enjoy 

complimentary access to the 

in-seat power outlets. 

Economy passengers can 

access the in-seat power 

outlets for a small fee, simply 

approach any of our friendly 

Scootees! 

1 

2 

3 

You can now obtain your Visa in 3 simple steps: 

HOW OEVISA WORKS 

Apply online 

Simply fill in the online application form and let us do the rest 

Make payment 

We accept credit card, debit card and PayPal, we’ll receive 

payment instantly 

We will send your visa 

Visas to most countries are processed within 1-3 business days. 

You can track your application online or from your mobile 

eVisa can be purchased from Flyscoot.com, as part of your flight booking or you 

may add-on via Manage My Booking for existing bookings. Approval time ranges 

from 20 minutes up to 36 hours after we receive your application form, and you 

can easily login to your account to retrieve your visa information any time. Want 

to find out more? Visit evisa.flyscoot.com today. 

84 SCOOT

Scoot currently operates 41 aircraft, 

comprising of 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliners 

and 24 Airbus A320-family aircraft. Here’s 

a look at our fleet and products available 

on each respective fleet: 

FLEET 

FACTS 


BOEING 

787 FLEET 

AIRBUS 

A320- 

FAMILY 

FLEET 

Boeing 787-9 

Boeing 787-8 

Airbus 320-232 

Airbus 319-132 

Number 

Of Aircraft 

7 

10 

22 

2 

Number 

Of Seats 

SCOOTBIZ: 35 

ECONOMY: 340 

SCOOTBIZ: 21 

ECONOMY: 314 

787-8 (With Bunk) 

SCOOTBIZ: 18 

ECONOMY: 311 

180 

144 

Length 

62.82M 

56.72M 

37.57M 

33.84M 

Wingspan 

60.12M 

60.12M 

34.10M 

(35.80M with Sharklets) 

34.10M 

Height 

17.02M 

16.92M 

11.76M 

11.76M 

Typical 

Cruising 

Speed 

0.85 MACH 

0.85 MACH 

0.78 MACH 

0.78 MACH 

Products 

Available 

Onboard 

ScootinSilence 

Stretch 

Super 

Standard 

Stretch 

Standard 

In-seat power Wi-Fi ScooTV 

SCOOT 

85

GET 

OUTTA 

HERE! 

Find the best deals at 

flyscoot.com and travel 

the world like never before 

Manchester 

Amsterdam 

Heathrow 

Dusseldorf 

Paris 

Barcelona 

Stockholm 

Copenhagen 

Berlin 

Frankfurt 

Munich 

Zurich 

Milan 

Fiumicino 

Istanbul 

Moscow 

NokScoot (a member of Value Alliance) 

from Bangkok (Don Mueang) 

NOK Air (a member of Value Alliance) 

via Bangkok (Don Mueang) 

Athens 

Chiang Rai 

Tianjin 

Shenyang 

Qingdao 

Nanjing 

Dalian 

Lampang Nan 

Udon Thani 

Phrae 

Mae Sot 

Loei 

Phitsanulok 

Nakhon 

Phanom 

Khon Kaen 

Sakon Nakhon 

Roi Et 

Bangkok 

Buri 

Ram 

Ubon 

Ratchathani 

Dubai 

Taipei 

Chumphon 

Ranong 

Surat Thani 

Nakhon Si 

Thammarat 

Trang 

Jeddah 

Vanilla Air (a member of Value Alliance) 

via Tokyo (Narita), Osaka and Taipei 

Cebu Pacific (a member of Value 

Alliance) via Cebu and Manila 

Sapporo 

Hakodate 

Tuguegarao 

Cauayan 

Okinawa 

Amami 

Legazpi 

Boracay 

Roxas 

Tacloban 

Iloilo Bacolod 

Bohol 

Dumaguete 

Puerto 

Butuan 

Ozamis 

Princesa Dipolog Cagayan de Oro 

Pagadian Ozamiz 

Zamboanga 

Davao 

Cotabato 

General 

Santos 

Jeju Air (a member of Value Alliance) 

via Seoul, Taipei, Osaka and Tokyo (Narita) 

Virgin Australia 

via Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and 

Perth 

Cairns 

Vladivostok 

Busan 

Weihai 

Nagoya 

Fukuoka 

Okinawa 

Kota Kinabalu 

Ayers Rock (Uluru) 

Sunshine Coast 

Brisbane 

Sydney 

Adelaide 

Melbourne Canberra 

Launceston 

Hobart 

Cape Town 

Johannesburg 

LEGEND 

Scoot Base 

Flights operated by Scoot and Singapore Airlines / SilkAir 

Flights operated by NokScoot 

Flights operated by Virgin Australia 

Flights operated by Cebu Pacific 

Flights operated by Scoot 

Flights operated by Singapore Airlines and SilkAir 

Flights operated by NOK Air 

Flights operated by Vanilla Air 

Flights operated by Jeju Air 

Scoot is a member of Value Alliance 

86 SCOOT

Shenyang 

Harbin 

Sapporo 


Beijing 

Tianjin 

Dalian 

Jinan 

Seoul 

Amritsar 

New Delhi 

Ahmedabad 

Kathmandu 

Lucknow 

Kolkata 

Dhaka 

Mandalay 

Qingdao 

Nanjing 

Wuxi/Suzhou 

Chengdu 

Shanghai 

Chongqing 

Wuhan Hangzhou 

Changsha Nanchang 

Ningbo 

Nanning 

Hanoi 

Zhengzhou 

Xi’an 

Guangzhou 

Fuzhou 

Kunming Quanzhou Taipei 

Xiamen 

Shenzhen 

Macau Hong Kong Kaohsiung 

Hiroshima 

Fukuoka 

Nagoya Tokyo (Narita) 

Haneda 

Osaka 

Mumbai 

Bengaluru 

Kochi 

Male (Maldives) 

Hyderabad 

Chennai 

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) 

Coimbatore 

Trivandrum 

Visakhapatnam 

Colombo 

Luang Prabang 

Chiang Mai 

Yangon 

Bangkok 

Siem Reap 

Phnom Penh 

Krabi 

Phuket 

Hat Yai 

Langkawi 

Penang 

Ipoh 

Medan 

Kuantan 

Kuala Lumpur 

Pekanbaru 

Vientiane 

Koh Samui 

Haikou 

Singapore 

Da Nang 

Ho Chi Minh City 

Kuching 

Clark 

Manila 

Kota Kinabalu 

Bandar Seri Begawan 

Boracay 

Cebu 

Davao 

Manado 

Balikpapan 

Palembang 

Makassar 

Jakarta Semarang 

Bandung 

Surabaya 

Yogyakarta 

Bali Lombok 

Darwin 

New Zealand 

United States of America 

Cairns 

Auckland 

Christchurch 

Wellington 

New York 

San Francisco 

Los Angeles 

Houston 

Honolulu 

Brisbane 

Gold Coast 

Perth 

Adelaide 

Sydney 

Canberra 

Melbourne 

SCOOT 

87


Visit 

flyscoot.com 

for more 

information 

YOUR SAFETY 

& COMFORT 

SCOOT 

SECURITY 

POLICY 

Scoot reserves 

the right to deny 

boarding to 

passengers who 

are inappropriate 

on board or 

on the ground 

with their 

comments or 

behaviour. 

KEEP MOVING 

Maintaining good blood 

circulation and muscle relaxation 

goes a long way towards avoiding 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a painful 

condition that arises when a clot obstructs 

blood flow in a vein. Though it’s a rare 

occurrence, don’t take any chances, 

especially during long flights. During your 

flight, move your legs and feet for a few 

minutes every hour. Stand up and stretch 

your arms and chest. 

CABIN PRESSURE 

Changes in cabin pressure during the flight 

may cause discomfort in the ears. Relieve 

ear pain by swallowing hard, holding your 

nose and gently breathing out with your 

mouth closed. If travelling with toddlers or 

infants, give them a sweet or feed them a 

snack when cabin pressure rises, 

particularly during take-off. 

SAFETY FIRST. NO COMPROMISE 

Your safety is our number-one priority, but you have a part to play 

too. The cabin crew’s safety briefing and the safety information 

card in your seat pocket provide crucial details in the unlikely event 

of an emergency. Always pay attention to these details on each 

flight you take because information can vary, such as the location 

of emergency exits and equipment. If in doubt about anything 

safety-related, ask. Our crew are specially trained to ensure your 

safety at all times. Regardless of the situation, safety must never 

be compromised, so follow the crew’s safety instructions at all 

times. It is an offence to refuse to obey any lawful command 

of the captain or cabin crew. 

CABIN CLEANLINESS 

Please do not place rubbish or other discarded items in your 

seat pocket or on the floor. Trash bins and napkins are located in the 

lavatories. Unless you have strict dietary requirements not catered 

for on board our flights, please refrain from bringing outside food 

and beverages into the aircraft. We have a delicious array of meals 

and snacks on offer, including tempting vegetarian and halal options. 

PORTABLE 

ELECTRONIC 

DEVICES 

You may use your 

lightweight portable 

electronic devices 

(“Flight Safe” mode on 

A320 /”Transmitting” 

mode on B787) unless advised by crew. 

Personal headphones or earphones must be 

unplugged and not in use when the aircraft is 

taxiing, taking off and landing. Laptops may 

not be used and must be properly stowed 

when the aircraft is taking off, landing and on 

the ground. If you’re boarding or disembarking 

the aircraft on the tarmac, you must switch off 

your devices. At any point of the flight, the 

captain or cabin crew may advise you to turn 

off your devices. 

STAY HYDRATED 

Low humidity in the cabin 

can cause your body to 

dehydrate. Drink lots of 

non-alcoholic beverages 

during your flight and 

apply moisturiser liberally 

to combat dryness. Consume alcohol in 

moderation while on board as high altitude 

intensifies its effects. The consumption of any 

alcoholic beverage not purchased from the 

inflight menu is not permitted. 

DON’T SMOKE 

Scoot enforces a strict no-smoking policy on all 

its flights, which also prohibits the use of 

e-cigarettes. Please refrain from lighting up in 

the lavatories, as doing so could endanger the 

safety of your fellow guests or disrupt the flight. 

88 SCOOT

Visit us : http://www.sariincofood.co.id

July 2018 - Scoot In-flight Magazine

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